Final answer:
The entities responsible for approving new supply requests depend on their specific use and regulatory requirements, such as the IACUC for animal research and the IRB for human subjects, with the FDA involved in medical device approval.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals or committees responsible for reviewing and approving new item requests for medical and non-medical supplies are designated by various regulatory bodies and institutions depending on the context in which the supplies are being used. For example, any facility that uses animals for research and receives federal funding must have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to ensure National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines are being followed. The IACUC must comprise researchers, administrators, a veterinarian, and at least one person not affiliated with the institution. Similarly, for research involving human subjects, an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is required to ensure adherence to established guidelines. In the context of medical devices, the FDA plays a crucial role: products that are 'FDA-Cleared' are those that are proven equivalent to already marketed devices, whereas 'FDA-Approved' items are either new or significantly different and must demonstrate safety and efficacy.