Section 211.17. Pet therapy

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.

(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.

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. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (240342) to (240343).

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 211.17 amended under section 803 of the Health Care Facilities Act (35 P. S. § 448.803); and section 2102(g) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 532(g)).