AREB espouses a philosophy of facilitative interaction with investigators to support responsible research and teaching activities which involve the use of animals. To this end, and to optimize the information available to the Board in its deliberations, AREB encourages on-going discussions with investigators, through the University Veterinarian and veterinary staff, prior to submission of new Animal Utilization Protocols to the Board. There may be occasion, however, for review of a decision by the Board. This guideline describes the process for appeal of a decision made by the McMaster University Animal Research Ethics Board (AREB) for protocol review.

AREB Decision

• All decisions made by the Board will be communicated in writing to the investigator. Copies of the decision are on file with the Ethics Office (Health Research Services) and
  the University Veterinarian.

Appeals

• If the applicant wishes to appeal any decision made by the Board, a formal written request for review must be received by the Ethics Office, HSC-3H9, ext. 22469, no later than 30 days after notification is received of the original decision being appealed.
• The applicant will submit all relevant information which supports the request for an appeal to the Ethics Office for distribution to the Board membership. Again, the applicant is encouraged first to review this information with the University Veterinarian.
• The applicant will be invited to attend the next AREB meeting, or other meeting scheduled for this purpose, prepared to present his/her request for appeal.

Appeal Response

• The response to any appeal will be made to the applicant in writing within ten (10) business days following the meeting discussing the appeal, with a copy to the academic department chair.
• The decision from the majority of all Board members present who are eligible to vote will prevail.
• The Board will attach any relevant references or copies of pertinent sections of guidelines, legislation or internal policies supporting this decision, including, if appropriate, advice from external experts or sources.

Second Appeal
If after the Board reviews the appeal and does not decide in favor of the applicant, the last step will be to provide a copy of the original AUP, original decision, complete documentation and
supporting references encompassing the appeal and the final decision that was made by the Board to the Ethics Office.

• The final appeal package in its entirety will be sent to:
  • the VP Research (or designate);
  • the Department Chair of the applicant;
  • a former member of AREB (chosen by the applicant);
  • any animal care committee member from another Canadian institution (chosen by Health Research Services);
  • a Laboratory Animal Veterinarian (chosen by Health Research Services).
• The Ethics Office (HSC-3H9, x22469) will arrange a meeting of the above reviewers.
• Individual decisions will be submitted in writing to the Ethics Office.
• The majority decision will be final.
• A copy of the final decision will be sent to the applicant, the President and all members of the final review panel.

Revised April 2018