(a) Definitions. As used in this section:

1. (1) “Handler” means an individual who has been specifically credentialed and authorized by the hospital to participate in, and to accompany and control pets participating in, the program;
2. (2) “Pet” means an animal that has been specifically screened, trained, and authorized by the hospital to participate in the program; and
3. (3) “Program” means the pet therapy program.

(b) The program shall be approved by the:

1. (1) Governing body;
2. (2) Medical staff; and
3. (3) Infection Prevention and Control Committee.

(e) A licensed veterinarian shall certify that a participating pet:

1. (1) Meets the hospital’s medical criteria; and
2. (2) Is free of zoonotic communicable disease-causing organisms.

(g)

1. (1) Pets found to have a communicable disease shall be excluded from the pet therapy program until the pet is treated and has one (1) negative culture, if culturing of the causative agent is feasible.
2. (2) Pets expressing behavioral problems will be excluded from the program until the behavioral problem is remedied.

(h)

1. (1) Pets shall be bathed and groomed before each hospital visit.
2. (2) Pets shall be free of fleas while visiting the hospital.

(i)

1. (1) The hospital shall establish an orientation program for the handlers.
2. (2) Handlers shall attend this program before participating in the program.

3. (3) The orientation program shall include, at least:

   1. (A) Patient confidentiality;
   2. (B) Appropriate infection prevention and control measures;
   3. (C) Safety; and
   4. (D) Appropriate emergency protocols.
4. (4) Records of the orientation program shall be kept.

(j)

1. (1) The hospital shall keep records of each visit the pet makes.

2. (2) The records shall include, at least:

   1. (A) The date;
   2. (B) The identity of the pet;
   3. (C) The identity of the handler;
   4. (D) All the patients visited;
   5. (E) The area in which the patient visits were made; and
   6. (F) Any infectious condition the patient had or any type of isolation the patient was in at the time of the visit.

(k)

1. (1) The pet and handler shall be escorted at all times by a staff member appropriate to the area visited.
2. (2) Patient safety and confidentiality shall be maintained at all times.

(l)

1. (1) The pet shall be:

   1. (A) Under the direct supervision of the handler at all times; and
   2. (B) On a leash or in a crate at all times while in the hospital.
2. (2) Other patients, visitors, and employees shall be discouraged from petting the pet.

(m)

1. (1) The hospital shall provide an area to walk the pet.
2. (2) There shall be procedures for immediate cleanup of all accidents.

(n)

1. (1) There shall be procedures for:

   1. (A) Patient handwashing;
   2. (B) Visit area cleanup; and
   3. (C) Cleaning of the patient’s room.
2. (2) If a pet visits a patient in bed, the bed linens will be changed immediately after the visit.
3. (3) A barrier shall be placed over the bed if the pet is placed directly on the patient’s bed.

(o)

1. (1) The attending physician in conjunction with the infection control officer will determine the appropriateness of the pet visits.
2. (2) The attending physician shall approve and order each pet visit.
3. (3) The orders shall be documented in the medical record.