The Atlanta VA Medical Center IACUC serves as both a regulatory committee and a resource for investigators to utilize in developing their research protocols.The committee is responsible for oversight and evaluation of the animal care and use program and its components. Its functions include inspection of facilities; evaluation of programs and animal-activity areas; submission of reports to responsible institutional officials; review of proposed uses of animals in research, testing, or education; and establishment of a mechanism for receipt and review of concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution.

The IACUC consists of at least five members at all times, and its membership meets the composition requirements set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.A.3. These requirements include veterinary expertise, unaffiliated representation from the local community, a non-scientific member, and scientists involved with research involving animals.

Michael T. Fallon, DVM, PhD, dip. ACLAM., is the institutional veterinarian. He is the attending veterinarian and has primary responsibility for the 15,000 sq. ft. animal facility and the animal facility staff. He has 21 years of experience with laboratory animals (17 years of those as a veterinarian), and has an adjunct appointment as Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology in the Emory University School of Medicine. In August of 1998 he was also appointed the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Although occupying a VA Headquarters position, he remains stationed at the Atlanta VAMC and remains the attending veterinarian.

The IACUC meets on a monthly basis, with meetings occurring on the first Thursday of every month. The committee reviews the animal care program and inspects the animal facilities and activity areas on a semiannual basis. After review and inspection, the committee reports its findings to the responsible administrative officials of the institution as outlined by the AAALAC Guide and as required by federal, state, and local regulations and policies. Protocols are reviewed in accordance with the Animal Welfare Regulations; PHS Policy; U.S. Government Principles for Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training; and the AAALAC Guide.