R432-100-31. Pet Therapy

(1) If a licensee utilizes pet therapy, household pets such as a dog, cat, bird, fish, or hamster, may be permitted if: (a) a licensee with a bird has procedures in place that protect patients, staff, and visitors from psittacosis; (b) any pet is clean and disease free; (c) a pet that is kept at the hospital, or is a frequent visitor, has current vaccinations, including rabies, as recommended by a licensed veterinarian; (d) a pet that is not confined is kept under leash control or voice control; (e) a small pet is kept in an appropriate enclosure; and (f) the immediate environment of the pet is clean. (2) A licensee that permits a pet to remain overnight shall have policies and procedures for the care, housing and feeding, and proper storage of pet food and supplies. (3) The licensee may not permit a pet in any area where the pet's presence would create a significant health or safety hazard or nuisance to others. (4) The licensee may not permit a pet in food preparation and storage areas. (5) Any individual caring for a pet may not have patient care or food handling responsibilities.