Training Program
Introduction
In 1985, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued the "Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals by Awardee Institutions." Soon after came the revised "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." In 1986, the PHS Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR) sent revisions of the PHS Policy to institutions who use research animals. These changes were mandated to conform with the "Health Research Extension Act of 1985." A significant change included in the revised policy is an "...explanation of the training or instruction available to scientists, animal technicians, and other personnel involved in animal care, treatment, and use."
The most detailed provision for training of research staff in animal care and/or experimental procedures was included in the 1985 text of the "Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act" (Public Law 99-198), which amended the Animal Welfare Act. Subsequent proposed rules and regulations were published in the Federal Register in March, 1987 as promulgated by the Act and were finalized on August 31, 1989. These regulations state that:
"(a) It shall be the responsibility of the research facility to ensure that all scientists, research technicians, animal technicians, and other personnel involved in animal care, treatment, and use are qualified to perform their duties. This responsibility shall be fulfilled in parts through the provision of training and instruction to those personnel."
"(b) Training and instruction shall be made available, and the qualifications of personnel reviewed, with sufficient frequency to fulfill the research facility's responsibilities under this section and section...2.31 [Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee]."
Purpose
The purpose of Stanford University's training and education program is to ensure humane animal care and use by complying with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and American Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) animal welfare regulations/guidelines and institutional needs. This is accomplished by providing training and continuing education programs for Stanford scientists, animal technicians, and other personnel involved with animal care, use, and treatment.
Objectives
Stanford University's training and education program objectives are derived from the instructional areas listed in the rules and regulations that were published in the Federal Register (Vol. 54, No. 168) on August 31, 1989 which amended the USDA Animal Welfare Act. These regulations state that "...Training and instruction of personnel must include guidance in at least the following areas:
- Humane methods of animal maintenance and experimentation, including:
- The basic needs for each species of animal.
- Proper handling and care for the species of animals used by the facility.
- Proper pre-procedural and post-procedural care of animals.
- Aseptic surgical methods and procedures.
- The concept, availability, and use of research or testing methods that limit the use of animals or minimize animal distress;
- Proper use of anesthetics, analgesics, and tranquilizers for any species of animals used by the facility;
- Methods whereby deficiencies in animal care and treatment are reported by any employee of the facility. No facility employee, Committee member, or laboratory personnel shall be discriminated against or be subject to any reprisal for reporting violations of any regulation or standards under the Act;
- Utilization of services [e.g., National Agricultural Library, National Library of Medicine] available to provide information:
- On appropriate methods of animal care and use;
- On alternatives to the use of live animals in research;
- That could prevent unintended and unnecessary duplication of research involving animals; and
- Regarding the intent and requirements of the Act."
Implementation
Stanford University's training and education program is implemented through formal and informal formats, and is coordinated by the Department of Comparative Medicine. All individuals who work with animals must be appropriately trained. Educational programs include required training programs, hands-on, one-on-one training sessions for investigative staff, mandatory training classes for animal care staff, and seminars and workshops on a variety of animal care and use related topics.
The Department provides individualized training to investigators and technicians on a routine basis. The veterinary staff are available to answer questions and to train or assist any person who requests help. Documentation of these training activities is maintained.
The Department provides a series of training lectures on all aspects of animal care and techniques. These lectures are open to Stanford employees and to the general public.
An inventory of reference materials including books, newsletters, videotapes, and slides on a variety of animal care and use subjects is maintained by the Department. These materials are available for review by Stanford employees and students.
Computerized literature searches are made available using a number of databases (e.g., Medline) free of charge for all employees and students using animals in research, testing, and education. For information on conducting computer literature searches, contact the Lane Medical Library (650-723-6831).
As included in the recent amendments to the Animal Welfare Act, the Department receives information from the National Agricultural Library (NAL) and encourages the use of its services. To contact the Animal Welfare Information Center at the NAL, call 301-344-3212.
For more information on training and education programs for Stanford employees and students, contact the Training and Compliance Coordinator (650-725-9901). For the current schedule of training events, click here.
