Section 888IAC1.1-4-1. Fixed practice facilities; standards

   For purposes of this section, "fixed practice facility" means a stationary facility established to provide examination, diagnosis, and health maintenance to animals. Practitioners maintaining a fixed veterinary practice facility shall comply with the following standards:

(1) If medical treatment is provided to animals, appropriate areas for the treatment shall be available within the facility and housing for treatment and convalescence.

(2) If aseptic surgery is performed within the facility, the facility shall contain and use the following:

(A) An area designated for surgery.

(B) Adequate sterilization for the following:

(i) Instruments.

(ii) Gloves.

(iii) Drapes.

(C) Sterile instruments, gloves, and drapes.

(D) Adequate lighting.

(E) Adequate drugs and equipment readily available to handle surgical emergencies, including, but not limited to, the following:

(i) Endotracheal catheters.

(ii) Oxygen or respiratory facilities.

(3) The facility shall provide adequate heating and ventilation for the comfort of animals treated and housed within.

(4) The facility shall be equipped with proper lighting in order that all parts thereof are clearly visible.

(5) The facility shall comply with all applicable state and local ordinances, including, but not limited to, the following:

(A) Hot and cold running water from a source approved by the appropriate authorities.

(B) Adequate clean and orderly toilets and lavatories for personnel and clients.

(C) Sanitary and aesthetic disposal of dead animals.

(6) All supplies, including food and bedding, shall be stored in facilities that adequately protect against:

(A) infestation;

(B) contamination; or

(C) deterioration.

Refrigeration shall be provided for all supplies that are of a perishable nature, including food, drugs, and biologicals.

(7) Excrement shall be promptly removed and disposed of in an appropriate manner.

(8) The:

(A) exterior of the facility shall be clean and in good repair; and

(B) surrounding grounds must be clean and well-maintained.

(9) Appropriate exterior identification shall be posted to clearly indicate that the location is a veterinary practice facility.

(10) All interior areas of the facility, including the:

(A) entrance;

(B) reception area;

(C) office;

(D) dispensing area; and

(E) examination rooms;

shall be clean, orderly, and free from hazards.

(11) If grooming services are performed within the facility, the grooming area shall be clean and orderly.

(12) The animal housing area shall be:

(A) clean;

(B) orderly; and

(C) well-lighted.

(13) Exercise runs, if provided, shall be:

(A) clean;

(B) secure; and

(C) free of hazards.

(14) The following equipment shall be available within the facility:

(A) A lined waste receptacle.

(B) A sink.

(C) Disposable towels.

(D) An adequate table with an impervious surface, capable of being disinfected after each examination.

(E) A stethoscope.

(F) A thermometer.

(G) A refrigerator.

(H) Other equipment appropriate to the type of practice.

(15) Laboratory equipment shall be:

(A) available within the facility; or

(B) readily accessible.

(16) If radiological services are provided within a fixed practice facility, the facility must contain the following:

(A) An x-ray machine.

(B) The ability to develop radiographic images.

However, if radiological services are not provided within the facility, appropriate arrangements must be made to provide the services outside the facility.

(Indiana Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners; 888 IAC 1.1-4-1; filed Apr 26, 1988, 2:10 p.m.: 11 IR 3045; readopted filed Jul 18, 2001, 10:20 a.m.: 24 IR 4238; readopted filed Jul 19, 2007, 12:53 p.m.: 20070808-IR-888070070RFA; filed Jul 31, 2009, 8:42 a.m.: 20090826-IR-888080679FRA; readopted filed Nov 13, 2015, 11:28 a.m.: 20151209-IR-888150252RFA)