IACUC Annual Reviews of Continuing Projects

All continuing protocols are reviewed by the IACUC at least annually.  The purpose of continuing review is to inform the IACUC of the current status of the project; to ensure continued compliance with PHS, USDA and institutional requirements; and to provide for re-evaluation of the animal activities at appropriate intervals.

As time permits, the Office of Research Compliance emails the PI expiration notices and the Continuing Review/Progress Report form at least two months prior to the protocol anniversary date.  Regardless of this reminder service, it is the responsibility of the PI to ensure that continuation documents are submitted in sufficient time for review prior to protocol approval expiration.  The PI must complete and return the Continuing Review/Progress Report form to the Office of Research Compliance at least one month prior to expiration.

If the PI fails to timely complete and return the Continuing Review form, IACUC approval expires on the anniversary date, and no further activities can be conducted with animals until the IACUC reinstates the protocol.

In the rare event that a continuing review application documents no animal usage in the past twelve months and no change in the protocol since its most recent approval, the Chair shall have the authority to review and grant a continuing approval.  In this case, animals must not have been procured, there can be no proposed deviations from the original protocol, and the renewal must be for year 2 or 3.

Projects conducted entirely off-campus are also required to undergo continuing review at least annually.  The Georgia Tech IACUC will accept as evidence of continuing approval a copy of the approved continuation letter from the off-campus institution.  This policy applies in cases where Georgia Tech’s IACUC approval has been granted under these policies at V. B. Off-Campus Activities Requiring IACUC Approval.

Note:  Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocols must, by federal regulation, be closed at the end of three years.  If the work is to continue beyond the third year, an entirely new protocol—with veterinary consultation—must be submitted for IACUC approval.