If an IACUC manager identifies studies with lapsed approvals, what should the research compliance professional do?

When an IACUC manager identifies studies with lapsed approvals, it is crucial for the research compliance professional to instruct the IACUC to continue the inquiry. This is important for several reasons. First, lapsed approvals can indicate a lack of compliance with regulatory requirements that protect animal welfare. By continuing the inquiry, the IACUC can assess the potential ramifications of the lapsed approvals, ensure that the appropriate corrective actions are taken, and reinforce the institution's commitment to ethical research practices.

This course of action acknowledges the responsibilities of the IACUC in overseeing animal research and ensures that all necessary evaluations, including determining the cause of the lapse and addressing any potential impacts on animal welfare, are undertaken. Furthermore, it allows the institution to maintain transparency and integrity in its research programs, which is essential for compliance with regulations governing animal research and for the institution's reputation in the scientific community.

In contrast, options such as conducting a coverage analysis or notifying the U.S. Department of Agriculture may not directly address the immediate compliance issues related to the lapsed approvals and could lead to delays in addressing the matter. Initiating a research misconduct proceeding may be unnecessary at this stage without further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the lapse. Therefore, instructing the I