State Regulations Pertaining to Pets and Animal Therapy ALABAMA

Transcription

1 State Regulations Pertaining to Pets and Animal Therapy Note: This document is arranged alphabetically by State. To move easily from State to State, click the Bookmark tab on the Acrobat navigation column to the left of the PDF document. This will open a Table of Contents for the document. The relevant federal regulations are at the end of the PDF. ALABAMA Quality of Life. (1) Quality of Life. (i) If a pet therapy program is implemented, the following guidelines must be met: (I) Pets chosen shall be free of contagious disease or sickness (diarrhea, ringworm, etc.). This includes pets residing at the facility. (II) Pets shall be inoculated or vaccinated, as required by law, with written verification of current inoculations for pets residing in facilities and must be on file at the facility. Author: Jimmy D. Prince Statutory Authority: Code of Alabama, 1975, , et seq. History: Original rules filed: July 19, 1996; effective August 23, Amended: Filed November 19, 1999; effective December 24, ALASKA Alaska regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. Page 1 of 27

2 ARIZONA Arizona regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. ARKANSAS 302 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION Birds, cats, dogs, and other animals are not permitted in nursing homes, except in the case of seeing eye dogs, and as permitted under section PET THERAPY Animals will be allowed to be brought into the nursing home for a short period of time on a limited basis for therapy sessions These therapy sessions must be supervised at all times to see that the patients are not in danger at any time during the session Animals brought into the facility for these sessions should be animals that will present no danger to the patients These sessions shall be sponsored by organizations, groups, or family members that are familiar with the actions and habits of the animals being used in the therapy session Animals used in therapy sessions shall be properly vaccinated, and records of the vaccinations maintained by the facility Pets must be maintained outside the building, and the area in which they are kept must be clean and sprayed on a regular basis to prevent rodents and insects. 901 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION [ALZHEIMER S SPECIAL CARE UNITS] f. Miscellaneous 2. Birds, cats, dogs, and other animals may be permitted in the Alzheimer s Special Care Unit. All animals that enter the facility shall have appropriate vaccinations and licenses. A veterinary record shall be kept on all animals to verify vaccinations and be made readily Page 2 of 27

3 available for review. Pets may not be allowed in food preparation, food storage or dining or serving areas. CALIFORNIA California regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. COLORADO Part 22 - Infection Control PETS. If the facility allows pets, it shall be responsible for their proper care and feeding and shall have them vaccinated and licensed, as appropriate. CONNECTICUT Connecticut regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. DELAWARE Page 3 of 27

4 Delaware regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 3230 RESIDENT ACTIVITIES Each facility shall provide the following: (g) The opportunity to implement a pet program and, if adopted, development of policies and procedures for the care and maintenance of the animals RESIDENT RECREATION AND SOCIAL AREAS Each social area may contain plants and pets of suitable temperament. FLORIDA Florida regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. GEORGIA Georgia regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. Page 4 of 27

5 HAWAII Hawaii regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. IDAHO 202.PET THERAPY. 01. Policies and Procedures. Policies and procedures shall be developed by the facility concerning the admission of pets through a visitation program or on a permanent basis. (1-1-88) 02. Type of Pet Allowed. Types of pets allowed shall be as follows: (1-1-88) a. Only domesticated household pets (dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, etc.) are permitted. Exotic pets and wild animals, even though trained, shall not be permitted due to the high potential for spread of disease and injury to patients/residents or staff. These include, but are not limited to, iguanas, snakes and other reptiles, monkeys, raccoons and skunks. Turtles are not permitted in the facility. (1-1-88) b. If animals that are prohibited as designated in Subsection a. of these rules are brought in for visitation, they shall be kept on a leash and under the control of the trainer at all times. (1-1-88) 03. Examination of Pets. Pets shall receive an examination by a veterinarian prior to admission to the facility. Appropriate vaccinations shall be given. Birds subject to transmission of psittacosis are included. (1-1-88) 04. Enclosures. Small animals such as hamsters and birds shall be kept in enclosures. (1-1-88) Page 5 of 27

6 05. Permitted Areas. Pets shall not be allowed in food preparation or storage areas or any other area if their presence would pose a significant risk to patients/residents, staff or visitors. (1-1-88) 06. Interference. The presence of pets shall not interfere with the health and rights of other individuals, i.e., noise, odor, allergies and interference with the free movement of individuals about the facility. (1-1-88) ILLINOIS Section Activity Program h) The activity program shall be multifaceted and shall reflect each individual resident's needs and be adapted to the resident's capabilities. The activity program philosophy shall encompass programs that provide stimulation or solace; promote physical, cognitive and/or emotional health; enhance, to the extent practicable, each resident's physical and mental status; and promote each resident's self-respect by providing, for example, activities that support self-expression and choice. Specific types of activities may include: 7) Expressive and creative arts/crafts (adapted to the resident's capabilities), music, movement/dance, horticulture, pet-facilitated therapy, drama, literary programs, art, cooking. INDIANA 410 IAC Environment and physical standards (ee) Each facility shall have a policy concerning pets. Pets may be permitted in a facility but shall not be allowed to create a nuisance or safety hazard. Any pet housed in a facility shall have periodic veterinary examinations and required immunizations in accordance with state and local health regulations. Page 6 of 27

7 IOWA (135C) Animals. Animals may be permitted within the facility with prior approval of the department and under controlled conditions. (III) KANSAS Kansas regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. KENTUCKY Kentucky regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. LOUISIANA Louisiana regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. Page 7 of 27

8 MAINE Maine regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. MARYLAND Maryland regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. MASSACHUSETTS : Environmental Health and Housekeeping (F) Pets. (1) Pets or other types of animals shall not be allowed in any of the following areas: patient areas in facilities that provide Level I, II, or III care; kitchens and areas used for preparation, serving or storage of food; laundries or restorative services units. (2) No commercial breeding of pets shall be allowed. (3) All pets shall be adequately fed, sheltered and maintained in a sanitary manner. MICHIGAN Michigan regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. Page 8 of 27

9 MINNESOTA POLICIES CONCERNING RESIDENTS. Subp. 7. Pet animals. Pet animals may be kept on the premises of a nursing home only according to part MISSISSIPPI 103 THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES [ALZHEIMER S/DEMENTIA SPECIAL CARE UNIT] Therapeutic Activities. 4. Activities will: c. provide experience with animals, nature, and children. MISSOURI Missouri regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. MONTANA FOOD EMPLOYEES (4) Food employees shall thoroughly wash their hands and the exposed portions of their arms with soap and warm running water after any of the following activities: Page 9 of 27

10 (i) after caring for or handling support animals PREMISES (10) Except as specified in live animals are prohibited from the premises of a food establishment. (11) Live animals may be allowed in the following situations if contamination of food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles will not occur: (a) edible fish or decorative fish in aquariums, shellfish or crustacea on ice or under refrigeration, and shellfish and crustacea in display tank systems; (b) patrol dogs accompanying police or security officers in offices and dining rooms, sales and storage areas, and sentry dogs running loose in outside fenced areas; (c) in areas that are not used for food preparation such as dining and sales areas, support animals such as guide dogs that are trained to assist a food employee or other person who is disabled, are controlled by the disabled food employee or disabled person and are not allowed to be on seats or tables; (d) live or dead fish bait that is stored so that contamination of food, clean equipment, utensils and linens, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles will not occur; and (e) pets in the common dining areas of group residences at times other than during meals if: (i) a partition of self-closing doors separate the common dining areas from food storage or food preparation areas; (ii) condiments, equipment and utensils are stored in enclosed cabinets or removed from the common dining areas when pets are present; and (iii) dining areas including tables, countertops and similar surfaces are effectively cleaned before the next meal service. (History: Sec , MCA;IMP,Sec ,MCA;NEW,1979 MAR p. 677, Eff. 7/13/79; AMD, 1985 MAR p. 928, Eff. 7/12/85; TRANS & AMD, 2000 MAR p. 3201, Eff. 11/23/00.) NEBRASKA Page 10 of 27

11 D Pets: The facility must assure that a facility-owned pet does not negatively affect the residents residing in the facility. The facility must establish and implement policies and procedures regarding pets that include: 1. An annual examination by a licensed veterinarian; 2. Current vaccinations as recommended by the licensed veterinarian which must include rabies for dogs, cats, and ferrets; 3. Provision of pet care necessary to prevent the acquisition and spread of fleas, ticks, and other parasites; and 4. Responsibility for care and supervision of the pet by facility staff. NEVADA Nevada regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. NEW HAMPSHIRE New Hampshire regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. NEW JERSEY 8: Advisory resident services for resident activities Page 11 of 27

12 (d) There is a pet therapy program for interested residents, with safeguards to prevent interference in the lives of other residents, and the program complies with policies and procedures developed by the facility (See Appendix A for example). APPENDIX A GUIDELINES AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR PET FACILITATED THERAPY IN NEW JERSEY INSTITUTIONS I. All Pets A. Companion pets should not pose a threat or nuisance to the patients, staff, or visitors because of size, odor, sound, disposition, or behavioral characteristics. Aggressive or unprovoked threatening behavior should mandate the pet's immediate removal. B. Animals which may be approved include: dogs, cats, birds (except carnivorous), fish, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and domestic rabbits. Wild animals such as turtles and other reptiles, ferrets, and carnivorous birds should not be permitted in the program. C. In order to participate, dogs or cats should be either altered or determined not to be in estrus ("heat"). D. Sanitary constraints: 1. Pets should be prohibited from the following areas: a. Food preparation, storage, and serving areas, with the exception of participating resident's bedroom; b. Areas used for the cleaning or storage of human food utensils and dishes; c. Vehicles used for the transportation of prepared food; d. Nursing stations, drug preparation areas, sterile and clean supply rooms; e. Linen storage areas; and f. Areas where soiled or contaminated materials are stored. 2. Food handlers should not be involved in the cleanup of animal waste. 3. The administrator is responsible for acceptable pet husbandry practices and may delegate specific duties to any other staff members except food handlers. The areas of responsibility include: feeding and watering, food cleanup/cage cleaning, exercising, and grooming. 4. Spilling or scattering of food and water should not lessen the standard of housekeeping or contribute to an increase in vermin or objectionable odor. Page 12 of 27

13 5. Dogs and cats must be effectively housebroken and provisions made for suitably disposing of their body wastes. 6. Animal waste should be disposed of in a manner which prevents the material from becoming a community health or nuisance problem and in accordance with applicable sanitation rules and ordinances. Accepted methods include disposal in sealed plastic bags (utilizing municipally approved trash removal systems) or via the sewage system for feces. 7. Proper and frequent handwashing shall be a consideration of all persons handling animals. E. Animals found to be infested with external parasites (ticks, fleas, or lice) or which show signs of illness (for example, vomiting or diarrhea) should be immediately removed from the premises and taken to the facility's veterinarian. F. The parent or guardian of a child bitten by a dog, cat, or other animal, when no physician attends such child, shall, within 12 hours after first having knowledge that the child was so bitten, report to the person designated by law or by the local board, under authority of law, to receive reports of reportable communicable diseases in the municipality in which the child so bitten may be the name, age, sex, color, and precise location of the child (N.J.S.A. 26:4-80). If an adult is bitten by a dog, cat, or other animal and no physician attends him, the adult, or, if he is incapacitated, the person caring for him, shall report to the person designated by law or by the local board of health to receive reports of communicable diseases in the municipality in which the adult so bitten may be the name, age, sex, color, and the precise location of the adult. The report shall be made within 12 hours after the adult was so bitten, or if he is incapacitated, the report shall be made within 12 hours after the person caring for him shall first have knowledge that the adult was so bitten (N.J.S.A. 26:4-81). G. The local health department must be promptly notified by telephone of any pet that dies on the premises. 1. If the deceased is a bird, the body should be immediately taken to the facility's veterinarian. If the veterinarian is not available, the deceased bird should be securely wrapped in impermeable wrapping material and frozen until veterinary consultation is available. Payment for a laboratory examination should be the responsibility of the institution, or the pet's owner. 2. If the deceased is another type of animal, the body should not be disposed until it is determined by the local department of health that rabies testing is not necessary. H. The rights of residents who do not wish to participate in the pet program must be considered first. Patients not wishing to be exposed to animals should have available a pet free area within the participating facility. II. Visiting Pets Page 13 of 27

14 A. Visiting pets are defined as any animal brought into the facility on a periodic basis for pet therapy purposes. The owner should accompany the animal and be responsible for its behavior and activities while it is visiting at the facility. B. Visiting dogs should: 1. Be restricted to the areas designated by the facility administrator; 2. Maintain current vaccination against canine diseases of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, coronavirus, bordetella (kennel cough), and rabies. Proof of vaccination shall be included on a health certificate that is signed by a licensed veterinarian and kept on file at the facility; 3. Be determined not to be in estrus ("heat") at the time of the visit; 4. Be licensed and wear an identification tag on the collar, choker chain, or harness, stating the dog's name, the owner's name, address, and telephone number; and 5. Be housebroken if more than four months of age. Younger dogs may be admitted subject to the approval of the administrator. C. Visiting cats should: 1. Maintain current vaccination against feline pneumonitis, panleukopenia, rhinothracheitis, calcivirus, chlamydia, and rabies. Proof of vaccination should be included on a health certificate that is signed by a licensed veterinarian and kept on file at the facility; and 2. Determined not be in estrus ("heat") at the time of the visit. D. Visiting hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, domestic rabbits, laboratory mice, or rats: 1. The owner should be liable and responsible for the animal's activities and behavior. E. No visiting birds should be allowed to participate in the program. III. Residential Pets: A. Residential pets are defined as any animal that resides at a facility in excess of four hours during any calendar day and is owned by a staff member, patient, the facility, or a facility approved party. The financial responsibility for the residential animal's maintenance is the animal owner's responsibility. B. All documentation of compliance will be maintained by the facility administrator in a file for review and inspection. The official health records should include the rabies vaccination certificate and a current health certificate. C. Residential animals should have a confinement area separate from the patients where they can be restricted when indicated. An area should be available for each participating unit and should be approved by the administrator. Page 14 of 27

15 D. A licensed veterinarian should be designated as the facility's veterinarian and should be responsible for establishing and maintaining a disease control program for residential pets. E. Specific Species: 1. Residential dogs should: a. Maintain current vaccination against canine diseases of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus and rabies. In addition, the animal's file should include a currently valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate, NASPHV # 51. A three-year type rabies vaccine should be utilized; b. Have an annual heartworm test commencing at one year of age and should be maintained on heartworm preventive medication; c. Have a fecal examination for internal parasites twice yearly. Test results should be negative before the dog's initial visit to the facility; d. Follow the recommended procedures of the facility's veterinarian for controlling external parasites; e. Be neutered; f. Be licensed with the municipality and wear an identification tag on the collar, choker chain, or harness, stating the dog's name, the owner's name, address, and telephone number; g. Have a health certificate completed by a licensed veterinarian within one week before the animal's initial visit to the facility. The certificate should be updated annually thereafter; h. Be immediately removed from the premises and taken to the facility's veterinarian if infested with internal or external parasites, vomit, or have diarrhea, or show signs of a behavioral change or infectious disease. Medical records of the veterinarian's diagnosis and treatment should be maintained in the animal's file. The animal should not have patient contact until authorized by the facility's veterinarian; i. Be housebroken if more than four months of age. Younger dogs may be admitted subject to the requirements of the administrator; j. Be fed in accordance with the interval and quantity recommended by the facility's veterinarian. Feeding and watering bowls should be washed daily and stored separately from dishes and utensils used for human consumption; k. Be provided fresh water daily and have 24-hour access to the water dish; l. Be provided a suitable bedding area. Bedding should be cleaned or changed as needed. Dirty bedding should be processed or disposed of as necessary; m. Be permitted outside the facility only if under the supervision of a staff member, a responsible person or within a fenced area; and Page 15 of 27

16 n. Be regularly groomed and receive a bath whenever indicated. 2. Residential birds: a. Should be treated by a licensed veterinarian with an approved chlortetracycline treatment regimen prior to being housed at the institution to ensure the absence of psittacosis. The period of treatment varies between 30 to 45 days and is speciesdependent. A signed statement from the veterinarian indicating such treatment should be kept in the bird's file; and b. That die, or are suspected of having psittacosis, should be immediately taken to the facility's veterinarian. In the event the bird dies and the veterinarian is not available, the bird's body should be securely wrapped in impermeable wrapping material and frozen until veterinary consultation is available. 3. Residential hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, domestic rabbits, laboratory mice or rats should be examined yearly by a licensed veterinarian for health status. A health certificate should be completed for each animal or group of animals. Any animal that becomes sick or dies should be promptly taken to the facility's veterinarian. NEW MEXICO SANITATION: C. ANIMALS: Animals shall not be allowed where food is prepared, served or stored, or where utensils are washed or stored except in eating areas when food is not being served. NEW YORK (l) Animals. (1) Animals, exclusive of those required for laboratory purposes, shall not be allowed in a nursing home, except in a nursing home animal visitation or animal-assisted therapy program as permitted in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subdivision. Also, service dogs and other service animals which have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability may accompany such persons when the Page 16 of 27

17 presence of such animals will not pose a significant risk to the health and safety of others that cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation and is not medically contraindicated. However, if the safe operation of the facility would be jeopardized, a service animal need not be allowed to enter. A finding by appropriate medical personnel at the facility that the presence or use of a service animal would pose a significant health risk in certain designated area of a nursing home may serve as a basis for excluding service animals in those areas. (2) A nursing home may board animals as part of an animal-assisted therapy program, provided that: (i) the health, safety, welfare and rights of all residents on the unit are assured; (ii) a staff member has been designated to be responsible for the care and management of the anima or animals and has had appropriate training for such responsibilities; (iii) the animal or animals are free from disease and have received all immunizations as recommended by a licensed veterinarian; (iv) the animal or animals shall not be allowed in laundry, utensil storage or food preparation areas; and (v) the well-being of the participating animal or animals is considered and maintained. (3) Animal visitations are permitted in a nursing home provided that: (i) the visit is prescheduled and approved by the facility; (ii) the animal shall not be allowed in laundry, utensil storage or food preparation areas; and (iii) the animal will at all times be accompanied by a person familiar with and capable of controlling the animal's behavior. NORTH CAROLINA 0A NCAC 13D.2902 PETS (COMPANION ANIMALS) When facility policies permit pets in the facility, the following conditions shall be met: (1) The facility policy shall not be in violation of any local health ordinances regarding pet health and control. (2) Pets shall not be permitted to enter areas where food is being prepared. History Note: Authority G.S. 131E-104; Eff. January 1, NORTH DAKOTA Page 17 of 27

18 North Dakota regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. OHIO Activities; social services; chaplain services; visiting hours; telephone service; (F) Each nursing home that allows animals or pets to reside in the nursing home shall establish, in consultation with the medical director and a veterinarian, and implement a written protocol regarding animals and pets that protects the health and safety and rights of residents. For the purposes of this paragraph, veterinarian means an individual licensed to practice veterinary medicine under Chapter of the Revised Code. OKLAHOMA 310: Residential and visiting pets (a) Each facility that allows residential or visiting animals shall adopt and comply with policies that meet or exceed 310: (a) and 310: (b). The facility's policies shall describe the schedule of animal care and zoonotic infection control for the respective facility. The facility shall not allow any animal to reside in the facility until all of the following requirements are met: (1) The animal is a dog, cat, fish, bird, rabbit, or guinea pig. If a facility desires to include other types of animals in their program, the facility shall submit a supplemental request accompanied by its policies, procedures, and guidelines to the Department and receive written approval from the Department prior to implementation. (2) For residential pets, excluding fish, the number of animals in a facility shall be limited to no more than one dog per 50 residents; 1 cat, rabbit, or guinea pig per 30 residents; or 1 bird per 20 residents, unless the facility has received the Department's prior approval of a greater number of pets through a supplemental request pursuant to 310: (a)(1). (3) The facility adopts policies ensuring non-disruption of the facility. Page 18 of 27

19 (4) All pets are housed and controlled in a manner that ensures that neither the pet nor the residents are in danger. A pet cage or container must not obstruct an exit or encroach on the required corridor width. (5) The following veterinary medical services are obtained for each pet, when applicable to species, and a record of service is maintained on file at the facility: (A) A health certificate from a veterinarian licensed to practice in Oklahoma stating the animal is healthy on physical exam and of acceptable temperament to be placed in the facility; (B) Proof of evaluation by a veterinarian licensed to practice in Oklahoma for presence of internal parasites on a semi-annual basis and for the presence of external parasites as needed; (C) Proof of current rabies immunization for dogs and cats, and leptospirosis immunization for dogs administered by a licensed veterinarian; (D) Proof of spaying/neutering for dogs and cats over six months of age; and (E) Statement from a licensed veterinarian certifying that each bird tested negative for Chlamydia psittaci infection (psittacosis) within 30 days prior to placement in the facility. Birds equal in size to or larger than a parakeet shall receive a serologic test. Culture from fresh droppings or cloacal swab will be acceptable test in smaller birds, such as canaries and finches. (6) The pet's skin appears normal, and its coat or feathers are free of ectoparasites, matted hair, feces, and other debris. (7) Residential pets shall be the responsibility of the administrator, who shall designate at least one attendant to supervise the care and maintenance of resident animals. The administrator and the designated attendants shall at least annually review the facility's policy on residential and visiting pets, and shall document that they have read and understood the policy. (8) The facility provides for the cleaning and disinfecting of any areas contaminated by urine or excrement, and for the regular cleaning of aviaries, aquariums, and animal cages. Water in aquariums and fish bowls shall be appropriately maintained to prevent bacterial growth in the water. (9) Residential dogs and cats shall not be allowed to remain in the resident areas after visiting hours. No animal shall be allowed in an area used for food storage or preparation, dining, medication preparation or administration, or clean or sterile supply storage. (10) If there is more than one resident per room, permission shall be obtained from each resident in the room before allowing animal visitation. (b) The facility may allow other animals to visit the facility. Visiting animals shall be under the control of the person bringing the pet into the facility. The attendant of visiting animals shall adhere to the facility's policies and procedures for residential pets. Proof of current Page 19 of 27

20 rabies immunization must be provided to the administrator before any dog, cat or ferret can be allowed as a visiting pet in the facility. (c) The Department shall publish and distribute to facilities recommended husbandry and veterinary care guidelines for residential pets. The guidelines shall include but not be limited to recommendations for housing, cleaning needs, exercise, diet, fecal examinations, grooming, attendant training on animal care and nutrition, and preventive health care. The guidelines shall be used for the information and education of facilities. (d) Section 310: does not supersede any local or state rules that regulate animals. [Source: Added at 18 Ok Reg 2533, eff ] OREGON Pets (Effective 10/01/1990) (1) PETS ALLOWED. Household pets (dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, etc.) are permitted in the nursing facility under the following conditions: (a) Pets must be clean and disease-free; (b) Immediate environment of pets must be kept clean; (c) Small pets (e.g., birds, hamsters) must be kept in appropriate enclosures; (d) Pets not confined in enclosures must be hand held, under leash control, or under voice control; and (e) Pets that are kept at the facility (or are frequent visitors) shall have current vaccinations as recommended by a designated licensed veterinarian (including, but not limited to, rabies). (2) AREAS PETS PROHIBITED. Pets are not permitted in food preparation or storage areas. Pets shall not be permitted in any area where their presence would create a significant risk or annoyance to residents. (3) ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL. The administrator or his/her designee shall determine which pets may be brought into the facility. Family members may bring resident's pets to visit provided they have approval Page 20 of 27

21 from the administrator and offer reasonable assurance that the pets are clean, disease-free, and vaccinated as appropriate. (4) OVERNIGHT STAY. Facilities with pets that are kept overnight shall have written policies and procedures for the care, feeding, and housing of such pets and for the proper storage of pet food and supplies. (5) BIRDS. Facilities with birds shall have procedures which protect residents, staff, and visitors from psittacosis. Procedures should ensure minimum handling of droppings. Droppings shall be placed in a plastic bag for disposal. Persons caring for the bird(s) shall not have nursing care or food handling responsibilities. (6) EXOTIC PETS PROHIBITED. Exotic pets (i.e., iguanas, snakes, other reptiles, monkeys, ferrets) shall not be kept at the facility. If exotic pets are brought in for a visit, they must be attended at all times by their owners. Skunks, foxes, and raccoons are not permitted in nursing facilities. Stat. Auth: ORS 410 & 441 Stats. Implemented: ORS & Pet therapy. PENNSYLVANIA If pet therapy is utilized, the following standards apply: (1) Animals are not permitted in the kitchen or other food service areas, dining rooms when meals are being served, utility rooms and rooms of residents who do not want animals in their rooms. (2) Careful selection of types of animals shall be made so they are not harmful or annoying to residents. (3) The number and types of pets shall be restricted according to the layout of the building, type of residents, staff and animals. (4) Pets shall be carefully selected to meet the needs of the residents involved in the pet therapy program. Page 21 of 27

22 (5) The facility shall have written procedures established which will address the physical and health needs of the animals. Rabies shots shall be given to animals who are potential victims of the disease. Care of the pets may not be imposed on anyone who does not wish to be involved. (6) Pets and places where they reside shall be kept clean and sanitary. Authority: The provisions of this amended under section 803 of the Health Care Facilities Act (35 P. S ); and section 2102(g) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. 532(g)). Source: The provisions of this adopted August 29, 1975, effective September 1, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 2233; amended January 30, 1987, effective July 1, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 514; amended July 23, 1999, effective July 24, 1999, 29 Pa.B Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (240342) to (240343). RHODE ISLAND Rhode Island regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. SOUTH CAROLINA Pets (II) A. Healthy domestic pets that are free of fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites, and have been screened by a veterinarian within the past twelve (12) months prior to entering the facility, have received required inoculations, if applicable, and that present no apparent threat to the health and safety of the residents, may be permitted in the facility. B. Pets shall be permitted in resident dining areas only during times when food is not being served and shall not be allowed in the kitchen. If the dining area is adjacent to a food preparation or storage area, those areas shall be effectively separated by walls and closed doors while pets are present. Page 22 of 27

23 SOUTH DAKOTA 44:04:02: Pets. Any pet kept in a nursing facility, assisted living center, or adult foster care home must not negatively affect the well-being of residents. Policies and procedures regarding the care and training of pets shall be developed following the recommendations of a local veterinarian. The primary responsibility of care or the supervision of care for any pet shall be assigned to a staff member. Source: 4 SDR 14, effective September 14, 1977; 6 SDR 93, effective July 1, 1980; 14 SDR 81, effective December 10, 1987; 22 SDR 70, effective November 19, 1995; 26 SDR 96, effective January 23, General Authority: SDCL Law Implemented: SDCL Cross-Reference: Physically disabled, blind or deaf person's right to be accompanied by guide dog without extra charge, SDCL TENNESSEE BASIC SERVICES. (3) Infection Control. Cats, dogs or other animals shall not be allowed in any part of the facility except for specially trained animals for the handicapped and except as addressed by facility policy for pet therapy programs. The facility shall designate in its policies and procedures those areas where animals will be excluded. The areas designated shall be determined based upon an assessment of the facility performed by medically trained personnel. TEXAS Page 23 of 27

24 Texas regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. UTAH R Pet Policy. (1) Each facility must develop a written policy regarding pets in accordance with local ordinances. (2) The administrator or designee must determine which pets may be brought into the facility. Family members may bring resident's pets to visit provided they have approval from the administrator and offer assurance that the pets are clean, disease free, and vaccinated. (3) Pets are not permitted in food preparation or storage areas. Pets are not permitted in any area where their presence would create a health or safety risk. VERMONT Vermont regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. VIRGINIA Page 24 of 27

25 Virginia regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. WASHINGTON Pets. (1) Each resident must have a reasonable opportunity to have regular contact with animals, if desired. (2) The nursing home must: (a) Consider the recommendations of nursing home residents, resident councils, and staff; (b) Determine how to provide residents access to animals; (c) Determine the type and number of animals available in the facility, which the facility can safely manage. Such animals should include only those customarily considered domestic pets; (d) Ensure that any resident's rights, preferences, and medical needs are not compromised by the presence of an animal; and (e) Ensure any animal visiting or living on the premises has a suitable temperament, is healthy, and otherwise poses no significant health or safety risks to residents, staff, or visitors. (3) Animals living on the nursing home premises must: (a) Have regular examinations and immunizations, appropriate for the species, by a veterinarian licensed in Washington state; and (b ) Be veterinarian certified to be free of diseases transmittable to humans. (4) Pets must be restricted from: (a) Central food preparation areas; and (b) Residents who object to the presence of pets. [Statutory Authority: Chapters and RCW and 42 C.F.R , , filed 9/24/08, effective 11/1/08.] Page 25 of 27

26 WEST VIRGINIA Animals a. Any nursing home where animals visit or are boarded shall have policies that assure the general well-being of residents as approved by the director. The policies shall comply with local health ordinances Social Services. [Alzheimer s/dementia special care unit or program] 8.1. A licensed social worker or licensed professional counselor shall be responsible for providing the alzheimer s/dementia special care unit or program with the following services: 8.1.a. A comprehensive social assessment of each resident which includes the following: 8.1.a.9. Names of the resident s pets. WISCONSIN Wisconsin regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. WYOMING Section 6. Physical Environment. (b) Sanitary Environment. The Nursing Care Facility shall establish policies and procedures for investigating, controlling and preventing infections. Page 26 of 27

27 (v) Animals, birds and other pets shall be allowed in the Nursing Care Facility with the approval of the resident council and: (A) The pet has had an examination prior to entering the Nursing Care Facility and annually thereafter, or more frequently if required by the pet s health condition; (B) The pet s vaccinations are current; (C) The pet is not allowed in the residents dining room during dining hours or in any food preparation area; and, (D) Someone must be designated as the primary caretaker of the pet, other than a resident of the facility. (E) Aquariums and enclosed aviaries are excluded from the above requirements provided they are properly secured and are maintained in an approved sanitary manner. Aquariums must be protected to prevent spillage or breakage. FEDERAL REGULATIONS Federal Regulations do not contain specific content for Pets and Animal Therapy. Page 27 of 27