Federal Government Overview
The United States federal government is comprised of the Executive Branch, which includes the President, his delegates and cabinet-level agencies; the Legislative Branch or Congress, which consists of the elected members of the Senate and House of Representatives; and the Judicial Branch, or court system.
Regulatory/Research Agencies & Interagency Bodies
Responsibility for implementing and/or enforcing federal law rests with a number of regulatory and research agencies. Many of the agencies with influence on the use of animals and/or alternatives in regulatory toxicology are located within the US Department of Health and Human Services, while others operate independently. In addition, two key interagency bodies have been established to coordinate programs and activities of mutual interest.
Government Testing Programs
In addition to the day-to-day regulatory and research activities of federal agencies, a number of large-scale data gathering and chemical testing programs have been initiated in the US.
US Pharmacopeia
A non-governmental, standard-setting organization dedicated to ensuring the quality of all pharmaceuticals, biologics, dietary supplements, and other healthcare products manufactured and sold in the US.
Validation Centers
US governmental and private centers specializing in the validation of in vitro, in silico or alternative methods to reduce, refine and/or replace the use of animals in regulatory toxicology.
3Rs Centers & Initiatives
In addition to the 3Rs advancement efforts by US federal agencies and validation centers, several independent charitable and academic centers also operate with similar mandates.
Animal Welfare Oversight
The US system of regulation and oversight of animal care and use for testing and research consists of patchwork of legislative, regulatory and guidance tools, independently established and overseen by various federal agencies and independent scientific bodies.
The Way Forward
A collection of invited commentaries on The Way Forward pertaining to programs & policies in the United States.
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