Section 811.12.5. Veterinary facilities.

         12.5(1) Facility standards. The following standards shall apply to all facilities used by a licensed veterinarian to provide veterinary services.

            a.                Facilities for treatment or hospitalization. In a facility where patients are examined and retained for treatment or hospitalization, the following must be provided:

             (1)             An examination room, separate from the reception room or office, with sufficient size to accommodate the licensed veterinarian, assistant, patient and client.

             (2)             Nonporous tabletops, countertops and floor coverings which can be adequately cleaned and disinfected.

             (3)             The ability to house patients separately and maintain sanitary conditions.

             (4)             Appropriate separation of patients with known or suspected infectious and contagious diseases from patients not known to have such diseases in a manner that reasonably guards against transmission of disease.

             (5)             Provision for daily exercise of patients unless the primary enclosure is of sufficient size to provide exercise.

             (6)             Exercise areas that are cleaned a minimum of once in each 24-hour period and more frequently as may be necessary to reduce disease hazards and odors.

             (7)             A sanitary area for performing surgeries under sterile conditions. If sterile surgical procedures are performed on the premises, the licensed veterinarian must maintain the following at all times:

            1.      Appropriate sterile surgical packs including drapes, sponges and instrumentation for use in each procedure.

            2.      For each sterile surgical procedure, equipment sterilized and surgical packs properly prepared for sterilization sufficient to kill microorganisms.

            3.      Clean attire, masks, and gloves for use in any sterile procedure.

             (8)             Oxygen and equipment necessary to administer oxygen to the types of patients treated in the facility.

             (9)             Capability to provide diagnostic radiological images in the facility or through an outside facility.

             (10)            Provision for laboratory and pharmaceutical services in the facility or through another commercial facility.

            b.                Facilities for services. Veterinary service facilities where patients are only examined or provided vaccinations must provide the following:

             (1)             An examination room, separate from the reception room or office, with sufficient size to accommodate the licensed veterinarian, assistant, patient and client.

             (2)             Nonporous tabletops, countertops and floor coverings which can be adequately cleaned and disinfected.

             (3)             A secure and sanitary area for the storage of instruments, drugs and medications.

             (4)             Cooling/heating equipment for the storage of drugs, medications and immunization products.

             (5)             Capability to provide diagnostic radiological images in the facility or through an outside facility.

             (6)             Provision for laboratory and pharmaceutical services in the facility or through another commercial facility.

            c.                Mobile clinics. Mobile clinics are self-contained units for small animal, nonlivestock or nonpoultry patients and shall be equipped with the following:

             (1)             Hot and cold water.

             (2)             Nonporous tabletops, countertops and floor coverings which can be adequately cleaned and disinfected.

             (3)             An adequate power source for diagnostic equipment.

             (4)             A collecting tank for disposal of waste materials.

             (5)             Adequate lighting.

             (6)             Adequate heating, cooling and ventilation.

             (7)             Sterile instrumentation which meets the requirements of the level of surgery to be performed.

             (8)             Separate compartments for the transportation or holding of patients.

             (9)             A secure and sanitary area for the storage of instruments, drugs and medications.

             (10)            Cooling/heating equipment for the storage of drugs, medications and immunization products.

            d.                House/farm call units. House/farm call units are not self-contained units and must be equipped with or have access to all of the following:

             (1)             Water.

             (2)             Cooling/heating equipment for the storage of drugs, medications and immunization products.

             (3)             A secure and sanitary area for the storage of instruments, drugs and medications.

            e.                Emergency veterinary hospitals. “Emergency veterinary hospital” means an animal hospital which provides emergency treatment to an ill or injured patient. Any facility advertising as an emergency facility shall have a licensed veterinarian and appropriate support staff on the premises during the hours of operation. Any facility which advertises using phrases similar or identical to “24-hour emergency veterinary hospital,” “Emergency,” “Open 24 hours,” or “Day or night care” must have treatment services continuously available.

         12.5(2) Safety and sanitation standards. A veterinary facility must have a safe and sanitary environment that:

            a.               Protects the health of the patients and guards against the transmission of infection.

            b.               Provides for proper routine disposal of waste materials in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations and for proper disposal of hypodermic devices, sharps and biomedical waste. Any person who is authorized to use hypodermic devices and sharps shall dispose of them in accordance with applicable local, state and federal regulations. Biomedical waste should be disposed of in accordance with applicable local, state and federal regulations.

            c.               Provides for proper sterilization or sanitation of all equipment used in diagnosis, treatment or surgery.

            d.               Ensures the maintenance of proper temperature and ventilation of the indoor facility.

            e.               Provides adequate lighting appropriate for the task being performed.

            f.                Includes legal and sanitary methods for the disposal or storage of deceased patients.

            g.               Meets the standards for radiological procedures as set by the Iowa department of public health.

         12.5(3) Resources. A library of current journals or textbooks, or Internet access which provides readily accessible reference materials shall be available.

[ARC 1465C, IAB 5/28/14, effective 7/2/14]