What does AAALAC mean in UNIVERSITIES
AAALAC stands for the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International. It is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the humane care and use of laboratory animals through accreditation and assessment programs. These programs are designed to promote the highest standards of animal care, animal welfare, and scientific research through a series of rigorous evaluations that evaluate the quality and safety of animal housing facilities, personnel qualifications, veterinary medical care, operational procedures, research protocols and support services. As a result of their work, AAALAC accredited institutions can be recognized as having achieved excellence in the areas it assesses.
AAALAC meaning in Universities in Academic & Science
AAALAC mostly used in an acronym Universities in Category Academic & Science that means Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International
Shorthand: AAALAC,
Full Form: Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International
For more information of "Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International", see the section below.
Essential Questions and Answers on Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International in "SCIENCE»UNIVERSITIES"
What is the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC)?
The Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC) is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. AAALAC's mission is to promote the responsible use of animals in research, testing, and teaching.
What are AAALAC's values regarding animal care?
AAALAC values humane animal care within a framework that ensures safe, professional, and ethical practices. Their guiding principles include adhering to ethical standards, safeguarding animal welfare according to national laws and regulations, practicing compassionate care and humane techniques, providing adequate housing, nutrition, veterinary care, mental stimulation, exercise and social interaction.
How do organizations become AAALAC-accredited?
Organizations can apply for accredited status by submitting an application along with evidence demonstrating compliance with applicable international standards. This includes a facility audit from an experienced inspector as well as routine self-assessments. After review of the application package by AAALAC's Council on Accreditation (COA), they will issue a letter confirming accredited status if all criteria have been met.
What is involved in an AAALAC audit?
During an inspection visit by an experienced auditor designated by AAALAC's COA, facilities are evaluated on a number of levels such as veterinary care practices; humane endpoints; pain assessments; environmental enrichment activities; housing conditions; husbandry practices; management systems; research protocols; education programs; personnel training; safety guidelines and more.
What does it mean to have "AAALAC certified" status?
Being certified by AAALAC means that an organization has met or exceeded its standards for animal welfare and good laboratory practices as set forth in their international policy statement published periodically in their journal of record. A certification symbolizes commitment to excellence in laboratory animal science with respect for life’s inherent worthiness while upholding public trust in basic research.
Who sets the criteria for accreditation?
The criteria are based on guidelines established by multiple relevant governing agencies including National Institutes of Health (NIH), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW). In addition to adhering to these governing policies and laws related to laboratory animal use, other criteria such as facility design features & maintenance requirements are also included in the process as part of compliance evaluation.
Are there ongoing obligations once accredited by AAALAC?
Yes - Organizations should comply with applicable government laws/regulations related to animal use including USDA Animal Welfare Regulations as well as our own International Policy Statement when conducting their operations under their accreditation program agreement with us which they must renew every three years in order to maintain accredited status from us.
Does having accreditation from AAALAC guarantee my facility against legal action/liability?
No - Obtaining accreditation from us only indicates that your facility meets acceptable level standards & regulations pertinent at the time however if any changes occur due to unforeseen circumstances or new regulations these must be taken into account when conducting operations going forward this applies even if you have already achieved accredited status from us.
Final Words:
Through its program of accreditation and assessment, AAALAC International promotes global compliance with accepted principles for humane animal care practices in laboratories. By helping foster a culture of responsible research practices committed to ensuring high standards for protecting lab animals from unnecessary suffering or distress while advancing biomedical science worldwide; scientists can continue to make discoveries that improve human health while still upholding ethical values that respect the lives of all sentient creatures.