§ 211.17. Pet therapy.
If pet therapy is utilized, a facility shall have written policies and procedures to ensure all of the following:
(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 is made so the animals are not harmful or annoying to residents.
(3) The number and types of pets are restricted according to the layout of the building, type of residents, staff and animals.
(4) Animals are carefully selected to meet the needs of the residents involved in the pet therapy program.
(5) [Reserved].
(5.1) Animals are up to date on vaccinations, are in good health and do not pose a risk to the health and safety of residents.
(6) Animals and places where they reside or visit are kept clean and sanitary.
(7) Infection prevention and control measures, such as hand hygiene, are followed by residents and personnel when handling animals.
Authority The provisions of this § 211.17 amended under sections 102, 201(12), 601, 801.1 and 803 of the Health Care Facilities Act (35 P.S. § § 448.102, 448.201(12), 448.601, 448.801a and 448.803); and section 2102(a) and (g) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 532(a) and (g)).
Source The provisions of this § 211.17 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. 3999; amended December 23, 2022, effective July 1, 2023, 52 Pa.B. 8098. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (287203) to (287204).
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