Introduction, Applicability, and Definitions

Question 1

What is the Policy of the PHS?

Answer 1

Require institutions to establish and maintain proper measures to ensure the appropriate care and use of all animals involved in research, research training, and biological testing activities conduced or supported by PHS.

Question 2

What additional document does the PHS endorse? How does PHS Policy interface with this document?

Answer 2

US Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training. Policy is intended to implement and supplement those Principles.

Question 3

In what locations is PHS Policy applicable? What is unique regarding foreign applicants?

Answer 3

To activities at a OHS agency, awardee, institution, or any institution in the US, Puerto Rico, or territory or possession of the US.
Institutions in foreign countries shall comply or provide evidence that acceptable standards for humane care and use of animals in PHS-conducted or supported activities will be met.

Question 4

Can individuals receive PHS funding for activities involving animals?

Answer 4

Not unless that individual is affiliated with or sponsored by an institution which can and does assume responsibility for compliance with this Policy, unless the individual makes other arrangements with PHS.

Question 5

Does PHS bypass other state or local laws?

Answer 5

No. All institutions must comply, as applicable, with AWA, other Federal statutes and regulations, and local or state laws that impose more stringent standards.

Question 6

Define animal.

Answer 6

Any live, vertebrate animal used or intended for use in research, research training, experimentation, or biological testing or for related purposes.

Question 7

What is considered part of the animal facility?

Answer 7

Any and all buildings, rooms, areas, enclosures, or vehicles, including satellite facilities, used for animal confinement, transport, maintenance, breeding, or experiments inclusive of surgical manipulation.

Question 8

What is considered a satellite facility?

Answer 8

Any containment outside of a core facility or centrally designated or managed area in which animals are housed for more than 24 hours.

Question 9

Define Animal Welfare Assurance or Assurance.

Answer 9

Documentation from an institution assuring institutional compliance with PHS Policy.

Question 10

Define Institutional Official.

Answer 10

An individual who signs, and has the authority to sign, the institution’s Assurance, making a commitment on behalf of the institution that the requirements of this Policy will be met.

Question 11

What groups are included under the Public Health Service (PHS)?

Answer 11

1. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3. FDA
4. Health Resources and Services Administration
5. Indian Health Service
6. NIH
7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration