From USDA Animal Welfare Act regulations and standards, Section 2.31-
“(d) IACUC review of activities involving animals. (1) In order to approve proposed activities or proposed significant changes in ongoing activities, the IACUC shall conduct a review of those components of the activities related to the care and use of animals and determine that the proposed activities are in accordance with this subchapter.”
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx/9cfr2.html
From PHS Policy, Section IV.C-
“In order to approve proposed research projects or proposed significant changes in ongoing research projects, the IACUC shall conduct a review of those components related to the care and use of animals and determine that the proposed research projects are in accordance with this Policy. In making this determination, the IACUC shall confirm that the research project will be conducted in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act insofar as it applies to the research project, and that the research project is consistent with the Guide unless acceptable justification for a departure is presented.”
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/phspol.htm