Which of the following institutions must follow PHS guidelines for animal research?

The correct answer is that all institutions that accept Public Health Service (PHS) funding must adhere to PHS guidelines for animal research. This requirement ensures that any research facilities utilizing PHS funding maintain a standard of welfare for the animals used in their studies. The PHS guidelines are designed to foster humane and ethical treatment of animals during research, and compliance with these guidelines is a prerequisite for obtaining funding from the PHS.

By establishing these standards, the PHS not only protects the welfare of animals but also reinforces the integrity and credibility of the scientific research conducted. This fosters an environment where ethical considerations are paramount and ensures that funded research has been reviewed and approved by an appropriate Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), thereby enhancing accountability and oversight.

While institutions with an IACUC are involved in the oversight of animal research, simply having an IACUC does not mean they explicitly follow PHS guidelines unless they also receive PHS funding. Similarly, while federal institutions may be subject to additional federal regulations, the requirement to follow PHS guidelines specifically applies to any institution that accepts PHS funding, which can include both public and private entities.