SHEA Guidance Addresses Presence, Management of Animals in Healthcare Settings

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) has issued new guidance regarding the management of animals in healthcare settings. Published in the May 2015 issue of Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, Animals in Healthcare Facilities: Recommendations to Minimize Potential Risks is intended to help acute care hospitals and ambulatory care facilities develop or modify policies related to animals based on their role. It offers guidance in four categories: (1) animals used for animal-assisted activities, such as therapeutic interventions; (2) service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act; (3) animals used for research purposes; and (4) animals permitted for personal pet visitation.