Frequently Asked Questions -Maintaining Your Accreditation
Here are a few of the benefits of earning accreditation ...
ANNUAL REPORTS
Q:
Are there specific due dates for the Annual Reports?
A:
Each year in mid-December, the AAALAC International office makes available the Annual Report form (in both paper and electronic versions). There are no specific due dates for submitting an Annual Report. However, AAALAC International’s Rules of Accreditation require that you submit an Annual Report in order to maintain your accreditation. An institution may choose from a variety of reporting periods (e.g., University fiscal year, calendar year, federal government fiscal year, USDA reporting period, etc.) as the AAALAC International reporting period. Please be sure that the period covered is continuous with previous reports (i.e., there are no gaps and all periods are covered by a report).
Q:
What type of information is provided in the Annual Report?
A:
Annual Reports should include:
- Protocol violations
- Animal use not approved by IACUC
- Protocol suspensions
- Changes in facility size, location, name
- Changes in IACUC composition or members
- Other changes in the animal care and use program
Q:
Can we use the same animal numbers reported to USDA for the AAALAC International Annual Report?
A:
Yes, but remember we also need animal numbers for species not regulated by the USDA.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Q:
What information should be reported to AAALAC International?
A:
Adverse events to be reported promptly:
- Unexpected animal deaths
- Natural disasters
- Significant animal rights activities
- Inappropriate euthanasia techniques and/or failure to confirm euthanasia
- Allegations/complaints/reports regarding animal welfare concerns
- Lack of veterinary care
- OLAW/USDA investigations
Other information to be reported promptly:
- Changes in unit contact (please include degree, title, address, phone and fax numbers, and email)
- Changes in facility size, location, name if site visit is pending before Annual Report is to be submitted
Q:
Can we submit copies of incident reports sent to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW or the USDA) to the AAALAC International Executive Office?
A:
Yes, you can submit copies of correspondence addressed to OLAW or USDA regarding reportable incidences. Please note that not all issues that are reportable to OLAW or USDA require immediate reporting to AAALAC. See Question “What information should be reported to AAALAC International?”
MEMBERS ONLY PORTION OF WEBSITE
Q:
I cannot access the Member’s Only section. How do I get the username and password?
A:
The username and password is provided only to the designated Unit Contact at your institution. This individual may share this information with other members of the institution.
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