Wash. Admin. Code § 246-933-340

Current through Register Vol. 24-24, December 15, 2024

Section 246-933-340 - Practice management

All veterinary medical facilities shall maintain a sanitary environment to avoid sources and transmission of infection. This includes the proper sterilization or sanitation of all equipment used in diagnosis or treatment and the proper routine disposal of waste materials.

(1)Surgery: Surgery shall be performed in a manner compatible with current veterinary practice with regard to anesthesia, asepsis or antisepsis, life support and monitoring procedures, and recovery care. The minimum standards for surgery shall be:

(a) Aseptic or antiseptic surgery shall be performed in a room designated and reserved for surgery and directly related noncontaminating activities.

(b) The surgery room shall be clean, orderly, well lighted and maintained in a sanitary condition, free of offensive odors.

(c) Storage in the surgery room shall be limited only to items and equipment related to surgery and surgical procedures.

(d) Instruments and equipment utilized in the surgery room shall be appropriate for the type of surgical service being provided.

(e) The operating table shall be constructed of a smooth and impervious material.

(f) Chemical disinfection ("cold sterilization") may be used only for field conditions or minor surgical procedures. Sterilizing of all appropriate equipment is required. Provisions for sterilization shall include a steam pressure sterilizer (autoclave) or a gas sterilizer (e.g., ethylene oxide).

(g) Surgical packs include towels, drapes, gloves, sponges and proper instrumentation. They shall be properly prepared for sterilization by heat or gas (sufficient to kill spores) for each sterile surgical procedure.

(h) For any major procedure, such as opening the abdominal or thoracic cavity or exposing bones or joints, a separate sterile surgical pack shall be used for each animal. Surgeons and surgical assistants shall use aseptic technique throughout the entire surgical procedure.

(i) Uncomplicated ovariohysterectomy or castration of normal healthy animals, and minor surgical procedures, such as excising small skin lesions or suturing superficial lacerations, may be performed under clean, antiseptic conditions. Surgeons and surgical assistants shall wear clean attire and sterile gloves, and care shall be taken to avoid introducing bacterial contamination.

(j) All animals shall be properly prepared for surgery as follows:

(i) Clipping and shaving of the surgical area for major procedures requiring aseptic technique as in (h) of this subsection shall be performed in a room other than the surgery room. Loose hair shall be removed from the surgical area;

(ii) Scrubbing the surgical area with soap and water;

(iii) Disinfecting the surgical area;

(iv) Draping the surgical area if appropriate;

(k) Anesthetic equipment appropriate for the type of patient and surgery performed shall be available at all times;

(l) Compressed oxygen or other adequate means shall be available to be used for resuscitation;

(m) Emergency drugs shall be available to the surgery area;

(n) Grossly contaminated procedures, such as lancing and draining abscesses, shall not be performed in the room designated for aseptic or antiseptic surgery.

(2)Library: A library of appropriate veterinary journals and textbooks shall be available on the premises for ready reference.

(3)Laboratory: Veterinary medical facilities shall have the capability for use of either in-house or consultant laboratory service for blood chemistry, bacterial cultures and antibiotic sensitivity examinations, complete blood counts, histo-pathologic examinations and complete necropsies. The in-house laboratory facility shall meet the following minimum standards:

(a) The laboratory room shall be clean and orderly with provision for ample storage;

(b) Ample refrigeration shall be provided;

(c) Any tests performed shall be properly conducted by currently recognized methods to assure reasonable accuracy and reliability of results.

(4)Radiology: Veterinary medical facilities shall have the capability for use of either in-house or consultant services for obtaining radiographs of diagnostic quality. Radiology equipment and use shall be in compliance with federal and Washington state laws, and shall follow the guidelines approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

(5)Biologicals and drugs: The minimum standards for drug procedures shall be:

(a) All controlled substances shall be stored, maintained, administered, dispensed and prescribed in compliance with federal and Washington state laws.

(b) Among things otherwise provided by RCW 18.64.246 and 69.41.050, legend drugs dispensed by a veterinarian shall be labeled with the following:

(i) Name of client or identification of animal;

(ii) Date dispensed;

(iii) Drug expiration date;

(iv) Complete directions for use;

(v) Name and strength of the drug; and

(vi) Name of prescribing veterinarian.

(c) A record of all drugs administered or dispensed shall be kept in the client's record. In the case of companion animals this record shall be by individual animal.

(6)Limited services: If veterinary medical services are limited to specific aspects of practice:

(a) The public shall be informed of the limitation of services provided;

(b) All veterinary services provided in the facility shall conform to the requirements for those services listed in WAC 246-933-330 and this section;

(c) The general requirements prescribed in WAC 246-933-320 shall apply to all veterinary medical facilities.

(7)Exceptions:

(a) The standards and requirements prescribed in WAC 246-933-330(3) and subsection (1)(a), (c), (j)(i), (n) of this section, shall not apply to equine or food animal veterinary procedures performed in medical facilities.

(b) The standards and requirements prescribed in WAC 246-933-320(1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (8), 246-933-330 and subsections (1)(a), (b), (c), (e), (h), (j)(i), (l), (n), (2), (3), (4), (6)(b), (c) of this section, shall not apply to equine or food animal veterinary procedures performed on the owner's premises by a veterinarian.

Wash. Admin. Code § 246-933-340

Amended by WSR 16-24-009, Filed 11/28/2016, effective 12/29/2016

Statutory Authority: RCW 18.92.030. 91-24-098 (Order 221B), § 246-933-340, filed 12/4/91, effective 1/4/92; 91-02-060 (Order 108B), recodified as § 246-933-340, filed 12/28/90, effective 1/31/91; 89-02-006 (Order PM 804), § 308-153-045, filed 12/27/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.92.030, 18.130.050(1) and (12) and 1986 c 259 § 139. 86-13-070 (Order PM 600), § 308-153-045, filed 6/18/86.