The IACUC is authorized to suspend an activity involving animals as set forth in “PHS Policy” at IV.C.6. The IACUC may suspend an activity only after review of the matter at a convened meeting of a quorum of the IACUC and with the suspension vote of a majority of the quorum present. The IO, in consultation with the IACUC, shall review the reasons for suspension, take appropriate corrective action, and report that action with full explanation to OLAW. A decision by the IACUC to suspend an activity may be appealed.
If approval of a proposal is denied by the IACUC because there are serious questions about the care and use of animals, the principal investigator or course instructor can request an appearance before IACUC to answer the questions raised by the Committee. The investigator or instructor may demonstrate, or be asked to demonstrate to the IACUC, the procedures to be used in the research.
If the first appeal to the Committee does not resolve matters to IACUC’s satisfaction, the investigator or instructor may, after consultation with the Vice President for Research, request a second meeting with the IACUC. At this meeting the investigator or instructor may present expert witnesses from UMBC or elsewhere to testify to the adequacy or necessity of the animal care and use outlined in the proposal. The decision of the Committee following this meeting will be final.