What does the annual report to APHIS need to be certified by?

The annual report to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) must be certified by the Chief Executive Officer or Institutional Official of the facility. This requirement ensures that the highest level of authority within the institution is responsible for the content of the report, which typically includes details about the use of animals in research and the compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. Having the report certified by such an official emphasizes the institution's commitment to animal welfare and adherence to regulatory standards.

This certification process checks for accountability and compliance, assuring that the institution has reviewed the report and agrees with the information presented. It is essential for maintaining transparency and integrity within animal research practices, reflecting the establishment's dedication to ethical standards. Other roles like designated facility staff members, lead researchers, or veterinarians, while important to various aspects of animal care and research, do not carry the same level of institutional accountability and authority as the CEO or Institutional Official in this context.