A new puppy!!

caliotter3 · Aug 29, 2014

Haven't come across this situation, but I also think it should be on the 485, partly for liability issues in case there is some kind of 'accident' and the nurse sustains an injury from the pet. Have no trouble seeing that there could be no Workers' Comp allowed if activities not signed off by the MD.

Oh, and glad you are enjoying the little one just as much as the client!

SDALPN · Aug 29, 2014

I would think it would be covered under ADLs. There's no way every little detail of a patients day and activity could possibly be covered.

smartnurse1982 · Aug 30, 2014

I personally would not do it.

Her family should do it.

I do not see how taking care of a pet is apart of her AdL.

I am not even sure insurance would agree with that added to the 485.

The insurance companies barely want to pay for pt care,much less an animal.

SDALPN · Aug 30, 2014

I personally would not do it.
Her family should do it.
I do not see how taking care of a pet is apart of her AdL.
I am not even sure insurance would agree with that added to the 485.
The insurance companies barely want to pay for pt care,much less an animal.

Adults are different than kids. We are there to help them with ADLs. I had to cook for an adult pt that was a quad. I sure didn't go to culinary school, but I can cook most anything. I've had to check mail for quad patients. Sometimes its part of the job.

Now if the pet shows aggression or is difficult to handle, I won't take chances. If its aggressive, I'll notify my office so they can document it.

ceebeejay · Aug 30, 2014

I can't see how it would be added, unless it's a working animal which assists the patient. If you enjoy it and don't mind that's fine. However, having and caring for a pet is not an Activity of Daily Living. Baths, food, eating, shopping, doctor visits, cleaning, laundry, social visits, those are activities of daily living. One does not require a pet to live, unless it's a working animal. I don't mind animals myself, but it will not be added.

CloudySue · Aug 31, 2014

Well, if she were an able-bodied person she'd get up on her own, shower, do her own hair, makeup, brush teeth, feed her own dog, and play with it. Those are her regular activities of daily living. I see feeding her dog when she asks me as the same type of necessary request as washing her face. I do document "Assist w ADLs incl care for therapy dog". This dog is too little to do anything like retrieve things for her, but they will eventually have this dog sound the alarm if the ct is in trouble. Plus she brings so much joy to the ct. So they are calling it a therapy dog.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Aug 31, 2014

Teacup puppies are not therapy dogs...the puppy may be a therapy dog in training but it sounds like your client is not capable of training the puppy. You may want to be careful documenting caring for a "therapy dog" that does not meet the basic definition of therapy dog. Not all therapy dogs are considered service dogs. Self-declaration of a new puppy as a therapy dog does not legally mean that the pet is a therapeutic or service animal.

If you don't mind taking care of the dog that's your choice however if this dog was not ordered by a physician it's not your responsibility.

ceebeejay · Sep 1, 2014

There are therapy dogs and service dogs. The way you are describing the puppy is as a service dog and would have be be certified as such by an agency which does that, such as the AKC. https://www.akc.org/akctherapydog/about.cfm Therapy dogs are used in settings with their owners. At any rate, if you wish to care for the puppy and it brings happiness, it's great. Document it if you wish, but I don't believe it is necessary unless you are helping to train the dog for certification as a service dog.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Sep 1, 2014

Better a teacup dog than a tarantula! I kid you not.

ventmommy · Sep 2, 2014

Neither a therapy/emotional comfort animal nor a service animal need to carry any kind of documentation or have any kind of certification. Service dogs must be trained to perform a task for a disabled person.

A therapy animal fits the criteria for assistance animal when it pertains to housing and when it pertain to flying.

It does not apply when going to places that would generally disallow pets such as a grocery store, restaurant or shopping mall.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Sep 2, 2014

Documentation is not required but it is helpful. Generally speaking a puppy does not qualify as a therapy or service dog. Maybe one in training but developmentally most puppies need training to meet the general standards.

There are chihuahuas that expertly serve as seizure and diabetic dogs. Not all service animals must be giant golden lab-retrievers. But therapeutic/service mini ponies have been excluded from ADA protection when challenged in court as have service cats and birds. Id have to find the link but it's an interesting read.