Since, in all cases, grants/awards (gifts/endowments) are made to institutions rather than to individuals, all the responsibilities of the Principal Investigator listed above are also the responsibilities of the institution, fulfilled on its behalf by the Principal Investigator. In addition, the institution is responsible for establishing an Institutional Biosafety Committee and meeting the requirements as stated in the NIH Guidelines.

A. DEANS, DEPARTMENTAL CHAIRPERSONS and ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS shall provide the support to researchers which insures that appropriate facilities are available to control biological hazards, and to enable investigators to comply with pertinent campus policies.

B. The DIVISION OF LABORATORY ANIMAL RESOURCES at the request of the IBC shall assist in:

1. Periodically inspecting areas where infectious agents are used in animal experiments.
2. Training and instructing animal caretakers in recognizing the potential risks and utilizing special precautions when animals are infected with pathogenic organisms.
3. Clearly posting and labeling all such animal rooms.
4. Overseeing contamination control with regard to excreta, animal carcasses and tissues, contaminated cages, cage bedding, and any other equipment or object which has come in contact with animals or their products.

C. The MUSC EMPLOYEE HEALTH PHYSICIAN shall recommend appropriate medical surveillance and preventive programs for personnel using hazardous infectious agents when deemed necessary. These programs may involve:
1. Drawing of blood for serum testing and storage.
2. Conducting clinical tests for diagnosis and therapy in the event of a laboratory acquired infection.
3. Reporting immediately to the IBC the results of medical examinations performed as a result of a laboratory acquired infection or accidental exposure.
4. Advising the IBC on an annual basis regarding new developments in relevant medical surveillance programs.
5. Providing recommendations about immunization practices and the availability of vaccines.