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CENSHARE
University of Minnesota
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Minnesota Guidelines for Pet Animals in Health Care Facilities

1. CHAPTER 4638
   DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
   HEALTH CARE FACILITIES GENERALLY

   NOTE: Under Minnesota Statutes, section 144.011, the State Board of Health was abolished and all of its duties transferred to the commissioner of health.

   4638.0200 PET ANIMALS IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES.

   Subpart 1. Definition. As used in this part, “health care facility” means hospital, nursing home, board care home, or supervised living facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of health under Minnesota Satutes, sections 144.50 to 144.56 or 144A.17.

   Subpart 2. Written Policy. Every health care facility shall establish a written policy specifying whether or not pet animals will be allowed on the facilities premises. If pet animals are allowed on the premises, the policy must specify whether or not individual patients or residents will be permitted to keep pets. This policy must be developed only after consultation with facility staff and with patients or residents, as appropriate.

   Subpart 3. Conditions. If pet animals other than fish are allowed on the premises, the following requirements must be met:

   1. Written policies and procedures must be developed and implemented which specify the conditions for allowing pet animals on the premises.
   2. The policies and procedures must:
      1. Describe the types of pet animals allowed on the facility's premises. This policy must be developed in consultation with a veterinarian and a physician.
      2. Describe the procedures for maintaining and monitoring the health and behavior of animals kept on the facility's premises. These procedures must be in accordance with a veterinarian's recommendations. A copy of these recommendations must be maintained in the facility.
      3. Identify those areas in the facility, in addition to those areas described in item F, where pet animals shall not be permitted.
   3. Regardless of the ownership of any pet, the health care facility shall assume overall responsibility for any pets within or on the premises of the facility.
   4. The health care facility shall ensure that no pet jeopardizes the health, safety, comfort, treatment, or well being of the patients, residents, or staff.
   5. A facility employee shall be designated, in writing, as being responsible for monitoring or providing the care to all pet animals and for ensuring the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities used to house pets. This rule does not preclude residents, patients, or other individuals from providing care to the pet animals.
   6. Except for guide dogs accompanying a blind or deaf individual and except in supervised living facilities with a licensed bed capacity of 15 beds or less, pet animals shall not be permitted in kitchen areas, in medication storage and administration areas, or in clean or sterile supply storage areas.

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