The purpose of this policy is to ensure IACUC protocols are prepared and approved in accordance with requirements for assigning United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-covered species and species used under Department of Defense (DoD) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR) funded protocols to Pain and Distress categories.

This policy applies to individuals using USDA-covered species under an IACUC animal use protocol. It also applies to individuals using animals supported by DoD or ONR funding. Finally, it applies to all IACUC members reviewing animal use protocols that meet the aforementioned criteria.

The USDA, DoD, and ONR require that animals be assigned to a Pain and Distress category. Examples of procedures and corresponding Pain and Distress categories (i.e., categories B through E, listed from low (B) to high (E)) are included in Appendix A. If an animal or group of animals undergoes any type of procedure, the lowest category to which the animal or group of animals may be assigned is Category C. An animal or group of animals must be assigned to the highest Pain and Distress category that will apply to the animal(s) at any time while the animal is associated with the IACUC protocol, regardless of the duration of time the animal(s) is on the protocol.

For the purpose of this policy, the terms below have the following definitions:

All individuals to whom this policy applies are responsible for becoming familiar with and following this policy. University supervisors are responsible for promoting the understanding of this policy and for taking appropriate steps to help ensure compliance with it.

Violation of this policy may be considered a serious event of noncompliance that is reportable to the IACUC, funding and accrediting agencies, as well as other regulatory agencies. Violations are a serious matter that may adversely affect both the ability to perform animal work and acquire funding sources.  

Failure to comply with this and related policies is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension without pay, or termination of employment or association with the University, in accordance with applicable (e.g., staff, faculty, student) disciplinary procedures.

Brown University is a community in which employees are encouraged to share workplace concerns with University leadership. Additionally, Brown’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline allows anonymous and confidential reporting on matters of concern online or by phone (877-318-9184).

The following information complements and supplements this document. The information is intended to help explain this policy and is not an all-inclusive list of policies, procedures, laws and requirements.