An ad hoc committee will plan and conduct a public workshop to examine critical issues pertaining to the concept of performance standards for laboratory animal use. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NRC 2011, p 6) defines a performance standard as “a standard or guideline that, while describing a desired outcome, provides flexibility in achieving this outcome by granting discretion to those responsible for managing the animal care and use program, the researcher, and the IACUC [Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee]. The performance approach requires professional input, sound judgment, and a team approach to achieve specific goals.” Invited speakers will address the challenges of defining, developing, implementing, assessing and validating performance standards to ensure “optimal practices, management, and operations” (ibid, p 7). The ad hoc committee will develop the workshop agenda, select and invite speakers and discussants, and moderate the discussions. An individually authored summary of the presentations and discussions at the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional guidelines.
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