Date: 1 August 2008 To: The University Community From: Melvin Bernstein, Vice President for Research Subject: Communicating Animal Care and Use Concerns within the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) Research Program This memorandum reaffirms my commitment to maintain full and open communications regarding animal care and use in the UMCP Research and Teaching Programs. The care and use of animals requires compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and policies. This memo clarifies the procedures for reporting incidents on our campus and the types of incidents that are reportable under Federal regulations. Concerns or questions related to issues including animals conducted or under the auspices of the UMCP can be directed to the Office of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) E-mail: IACUC@umd.edu. These concerns or questions will be handled confidentially. As appropriate, an investigation team will be assembled to perform a balanced and thorough assessment of the concern. Federal and state law prohibits the discrimination against persons that bring forth legitimate concersn for investigation. As per the NIH's reporting guidance found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-05-034.html. Examples of situations that must be reported to the IACUC include the following: conditions that jeopardize the health or well-being of animals, including natural disasters, accidents, and mechanical failures, resulting in actual harm or death to animals; chronic failure to provide food, water or space for animals in accordance with recommendations of Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (www.nap.edu/html/labrats). conduct of animal-related activities without appropriate IACUC review and approval; failure to adhere to IACUC-approved protocols; implementation of any significant change to IACUC-approved protocols without prior IACUC approval; conduct of animal-related activities beyond the expiration date established by the IACUC; participation in animal-related activities by individuals who have not been appropriately qualified or trained; failure to monitor animals post-procedurally as necessary to ensure well-being. This list is not intended to be exhaustive. Anyone at UMCP including faculty, staff and students, who has concerns related to the use of animals in research of teaching at UMCP, should voice those concerns. If you are uncertain about whether an incident or activity should be reported, please report it. Please direct questions or comments regarding the intent or contents of this memorandum to me at:mbernstein@umresearch.umd.edu.                 Mel Bernstein, Ph.D.