R432-100-31. Pet Therapy

  (1) If a hospital utilizes pet therapy, household pets such as dogs, cats, birds, fish, and hamsters may be permitted.

  (a) Pets must be clean and disease free.

  (b) The immediate environment of the pets must be clean.

  (c) Small pets shall be kept in appropriate enclosures.

  (d) Pets that are not confined shall be kept under leash control or voice control.

  (e) Pets that are kept at the hospital, or are frequent visitors shall have current vaccinations, including rabies, as recommended by a licensed veterinarian.

  (f) Hospitals with birds shall have procedures in place which protect patients, staff, and visitors from psittacosis.

  (2) Hospitals that permit pets to remain overnight shall have policies and procedures for the care, housing and feeding of such pets; and for the proper storage of pet food and supplies.

  (3) Pets shall not be permitted in any area where their presence would create a significant health or safety hazard or nuisance to others.

  (4) Pets shall not be permitted in food preparation and storage areas.

  (5) Persons caring for pets shall not have patient care or food handling responsibilities.