Section 388-97-0980. Pets.

(1) Each resident must have a reasonable opportunity to have regular contact with animals, if desired.

(2) The nursing home must:

(a) Consider the recommendations of nursing home residents, resident councils, and staff;

(b) Determine how to provide residents access to animals;

(c) Determine the type and number of animals available in the facility, which the facility can safely manage. Such animals should include only those customarily considered domestic pets;

(d) Ensure that any resident's rights, preferences, and medical needs are not compromised by the presence of an animal; and

(e) Ensure any animal visiting or living on the premises has a suitable temperament, is healthy, and otherwise poses no significant health or safety risks to residents, staff, or visitors.

(3) Animals living on the nursing home premises must:

(a) Have regular examinations and immunizations, appropriate for the species, by a veterinarian licensed in Washington state; and

(b) Be veterinarian certified to be free of diseases transmittable to humans.

(4) Pets must be restricted from:

(a) Central food preparation areas; and

(b) Residents who object to the presence of pets.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.51 and 74.42 RCW and 42 C.F.R. 489.52. WSR 08-20-062, § 388-97-0980, filed 9/24/08, effective 11/1/08.]

Chapters 18.51 and 74.42 RCW and 42 C.F.R. 489.52. WSR 08-20-062, § 388-97-0980, filed 9/24/08, effective 11/1/08.