Post-Approval Monitoring

The George Washington University (GW) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) has the overarching responsibility to ensure animal welfare and well-being. 

It is the goal of a post-approval monitoring (PAM) program to mitigate noncompliance on the part of the institution and the individual. An engaged PAM program can assist researchers with identification of minor missteps before they become major regulatory problems for the institution and the individual.

The GW IACUC Policy on Post-Approval Monitoring (GW login required) outlines the procedures of formal and informal PAMs of active IACUC protocols at the university. Continuing IACUC oversight of animal-related activities is required by federal laws, regulations, and policies.

Self-Notification

All individuals associated with the animal program are responsible for reporting animal welfare concerns.

• The animal user is responsible for informing the principal investigator (PI) and the Attending Veterinarian of an unforeseen event that involves animal welfare.
• The PI or responsible party is responsible for reporting all unforeseen events to the IACUC using the IACUC Self-Reporting Notification form within 72 hours of the event occurring.

The GW IACUC Self-Reporting Notification Policy (GW login required) outlines self-notification requirements and responsibilities.