Use of Animals in Biomedical Research

Because the use of animals in biomedical research continues to be necessary to achieve scientifically sound and valid results, the National Health Council requires all its voluntary health agency members that conduct and/or fund biomedical research which involves the use of animals to have a Board-approved written policy which adheres to the following principles:

1. Animals shall be used in biomedical research only when no other means of obtaining scientifically sound, valid and useful results are available.

2. The minimum number of appropriate animals required to obtain and validate results shall be used.

3. The acquisition, care and use of animals must be in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

4. Certifications must be received from research facilities prior to being approved for a research grant that the facility(ies), its researchers and employees adhere to the Animal Welfare Act, National Research Council Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and any appropriate U.S. Department of Agriculture or National Institutes of Health regulations and standards.

5. In cases requiring the death of an animal, only the most appropriate and humane form of euthanasia shall be used consistent with the purpose of the research.