AAALAC International History, Programs and Process

2. AAALAC International History, Programs and Process

3. What is AAALAC? • AAALAC stands for the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International. • Our mission: AAALAC International enhances life sciences by promoting the responsible treatment of animals used in research, teaching and testing through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs.

4. Origins • During the post-World War II science boom, leading veterinarians and researchers saw the need for an independent organization to encourage high standards for humane animal care and use in science. • AAALAC was created to meet this need, and was incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization in 1965.

5. Growth • AAALAC accredits universities, companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. • In 1996, AAALAC changed its name to include “International” in order to reflect its growth outside the United States. • Today, more than 700 institutions are accredited in 28 different countries. • AAALAC now has offices in Rockville, Maryland (USA), Brussels, Belgium, and Waikoloa, Hawaii.

6. International representation • AAALAC has a multinational Board of Trustees, including representation from ICLAS and FELASA. • Accredited organizations in 28 countries including:Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mauritius, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, The Netherlands, and the United States.

7. Organization • 68 “Member Organizations” govern AAALAC, and are represented on the Board of Trustees. • The 42-member “Council on Accreditation” carries out the accreditation program. • The Council is comprised of North American and European Sections. • 180+ “ad hoc Consultants” help conduct program evaluations.

8. Accreditation … • Is completely voluntary and confidential. • Is performance-based. • Is a peer-review process.

9. Standards • Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NRC 1996) • EEC 86/609 • CoE Convention • National legislation • Reference resources (“Ag Guide,” AVMA Panel on Euthanasia, etc...). Visit www.aaalac.org/resources.htm

10. The process • AAALAC accredits your entire “program” which includes: • animal care and use policies and responsibilities • animal environment, housing and management • veterinary medical care • your physical plant

11. The process • Request an application package or download it from www.aaalac.org • Complete the application and develop a “Program Description” – a document that details all aspects of your program. (An outline of what to include is included in the application package.) • Receive an objective, peer-review evaluation from an AAALAC site-visit team.

12. The process • Receive immediate feedback during your site visit “exit briefing.” • The site-visit team submits their report to the Council on Accreditation. • Council deliberations take place. • AAALAC accreditation is awarded.

13. Fees • Fees cover the direct cost of the site visit plus administrative expenses. • There is a one-time application fee. • Accredited institutions pay an annual fee. • Fees are currently based on animal facility size.

14. Maintaining accreditation • You must submit an annual program report to AAALAC. (The annual report form is mailed to you.) • You must be revisited and re-evaluated once every three years. • Major program changes or deficiencies must be reported to AAALAC in between site visits.

15. Accreditation … • Provides a confidential, third-party peer review. • Promotes scientific validity. • Represents quality. • Demonstrates accountability. • Assures funding sources. • Helps recruit quality people. • Shows a real commitment to humane animal care.

16. What people value most about accreditation … • “It assures the credibility of our program among funding sources.” • “It provides the public with a positive image.” • “It helps convince management of the need to commit resources to maintain a high-quality program.”

17. What people value most about accreditation … • “It conveys a high level of professionalism to the scientific community.” • “Application of AAALAC standards ensures high-quality research and animal care, resulting in better science.” • “Completing the Program Description helps us identify weaknesses and self-correct them.”

18. What people value most about accreditation … • “It assures our customers that we have a quality program.” • “The rigorous peer-review evaluation ensures that we’re doing things right.”

19. Accreditation also entitles you to: • Receive AAALAC’s proprietary electronic newsletter, the “AAALAC E-brief.” • A free subscription to AAALAC’s Connection newsletter. • Telephone and e-mail consultations.

20. Accreditation also entitles you to: • Listing in the online “AAALAC Directory of Accredited Programs.” • Access to AAALAC’s Members’ Only Web site: • Materials to promote your accreditation • “Keeping Connected” (a compilation of news articles and meeting announcements of interest to the animal care community) • Tools for maintaining your accreditation • Periodic updates on the accreditation program and animal care and use issues.

21. Program Status Evaluation • Separate from the accreditation program. • Familiarizes you with AAALAC standards and the accreditation process. • Receive an in-depth, on-site assessment. • Get specific recommendations. • Advises you of your “accreditability” – often used prior to applying for accreditation.

22. In the Untied States:AAALAC International11300 Rockville PikeSuite 1211Rockville, Maryland 20852 USAtel: 301.231.5353accredit@aaalac.org In Europe:AAALAC InternationalAvenue de Tervuren 4021150 Brussels Belgiumtel: +32.2.761.6678accredit_europe@aaalac.org Pacific Rim Office:AAALAC International68-3549 Makana Aloha Pl.Waikoloa, HI 96738tel: +808.883.2186kbayne@aaalac.org Contact us www.aaalac.org