An institution should be ready to respond to FOIA requests and there are many aspects to consider. This session will provide an overview of open records and FOIA laws and regulations and discuss methods to deal with requests for animal care and use records.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the use and abuse of open records and FOIA laws in obtaining information about research programs
• Demonstrate the importance of having plans in place before open records/FOIA requests are received, including consideration of the type of information included in meeting minutes, accreditation program descriptions, etc.
• Discuss internal (e.g., IRB, IACUC, IO, FOIA Office, legal counsel) and external (e.g., regulatory and accreditation agencies, media outreach) communication strategies when open records/FOIA requests are received