LSU Health Shreveport has received continued Full Accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, AAALAC International, extending more than four decades of continuous accreditation and affirming the institution’s commitment to the highest standards of animal care and use in biomedical research.
LSU Health Shreveport has maintained AAALAC accreditation continuously since 1985. The voluntary accreditation is internationally recognized as a mark of quality for research institutions. It demonstrates an institution’s commitment to responsible animal care and use, beyond minimum legal requirements.
“AAALAC accreditation signifies to the public that an institution’s animal care and use program meets the highest standards possible,” said Hugh Price, DVM, Executive Director, Animal Resources and Attending Veterinarian at LSU Health Shreveport. “It demonstrates that animals receive the highest level of handling, husbandry and compassionate care, and that research involving animal models undergoes rigorous review by research professionals, veterinary staff and members of the community.”
AAALAC accreditation requires a comprehensive review of an organization’s entire animal care and use program. Institutions first conduct an extensive internal evaluation addressing areas including policies, animal housing and management, veterinary care and facilities. AAALAC evaluators then conduct an independent, on-site assessment, with findings reviewed by the organization’s Council on Accreditation. Accredited institutions undergo re-evaluation every three years to maintain their status.
Following its most recent review, the AAALAC International Council on Accreditation commended LSU Health Shreveport and its staff for maintaining “an excellent program of animal care and use.” The Council found that LSUHS continues to conform with AAALAC International standards and renewed the institution’s Full Accreditation with no additional recommendations for improvement.
Dr. Price said LSU Health Shreveport’s decision to voluntarily pursue and maintain accreditation reflects a broader institutional commitment to accountability, research quality and animal welfare.
“LSU Health Shreveport has voluntarily sought this accreditation to assure the public that we maintain the highest standards of care and research activity at our institution,” Price said. “More than 40 years of continued Full Accreditation demonstrates the commitment of our faculty, staff and institutional leadership to maintaining those standards now and in the future.”