Controlled Substances Used in Animal Research

General Policy

Each investigator is responsible for procuring his or her own controlled substances, as defined and regulated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for use in IACUC-approved protocols.

Each investigator is also responsible for maintaining controlled substances in accordance with federal and state laws and hospital policy. This includes, but is not limited to, secure storage of these materials under environmental conditions stipulated by the supplier, and a log documenting receipt of inventory, each instance of use, and disposal of empty containers. An investigator may also have to obtain personal licenses issued by DEA and the Massachusetts Department of Public /Division of Food and Drugs in order to procure controlled substances from commercial sources.

Laboratories of investigators whose animal protocols involve controlled substances may be subjected to routine audits to ensure that all activities are in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. The IACUC office will maintain a list of protocols that use controlled substances.