Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, 1982 (Act No. 19 of 1982)RulesRules relating to the Practising of Para-Veterinary Profession of Veterinary Nurse11. Minimum standards for veterinary nursing facilities |
| (1) | A veterinary nursing facility at or from which a veterinary nurse practises must— |
| (a) | Be a permanent structure (This is not intended to exclude buildings, which are factory produced and site assembled, e.g., a prefabricated building as the word “permanent” relates to the materials used and not to the building itself); |
| (b) | Have a good source of general lightning; |
| (c) | Have adequate ventilation; |
| (d) | Be compliant with local regulations pertaining to health and safety, including fire protection; |
| (e) | Have facilities for the disposal of veterinary waste according to local government requirements; |
| (f) | Drainage and washing water according to local authority requirements; |
| (g) | Be so constructed as to minimize the escape of an animal and to ensure the effective and safe and comfortable confinement of animals at all times; |
| (h) | Have equipment to determine the weight of patients adequately; and |
| (i) | Be registered with Council. |
| (2) | Subject to any requirements of a local or other authority, a veterinary nursing facility must consist of: |
| (a) | A reception and office area; |
| (b) | A waiting room for clients with access to toilet facilities; and |
| (c) | One or more consulting rooms. |
| (3) | The internal walls and floor surfaces, shelves and tables of a veterinary nursing facility must be of such a nature that they can be properly cleansed and disinfected so that hygienic conditions can be maintained. |
| (4) | The drainage and washing water of a veterinary nursing facility must run into an adequate sewer and comply with the requirements of local authorities. |
| (5) | The veterinary nursing facility must have a direct public entrance. |
| (6) | Provision must be made at a veterinary nursing facility for a hygienic, insect and rodent free environment within the facility as well as where therapeutic and nutritional products are stored. |
| (7) | Adequate facilities must be available for the preparation for food and washing and cleaning of all equipment. |
| (8) | A veterinary nursing facility must have access to relevant reference material. |
| (9) | A veterinary nursing facility must have the necessary facilities and/or equipment in order to ensure that a basic physical examination can be performed. |
| (10) | If a dispensary service is rendered, it may only consist of medicines scheduled as a schedule 0 in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, Act 101 of 1965 and stock remedies registered under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, Act 36 of 1947; Medicines and stock remedies must be stored in accordance with relevant legislation. |
| (11) | A veterinary nursing facility must have suitable equipment, or access thereto, for the effective sterilisation of relevant equipment. |
| (12) | If patients are kept overnight the following must be adhered to: |
| (a) | A separate cage of adequate size must be available for each patient; |
| (b) | Cages must be constructed of such a material so as to prevent self-injury of the patient; |
| (c) | The veterinary nursing facility must have proper means to identify each patient; and |
| (d) | The veterinary nursing facility must be adequately ventilated and, if necessary, heated or cooled. |
| (13) | Animals hospitalised overnight must be adequately monitored having due regard to the animal’s condition. If such monitoring is not available, the client should be informed accordingly. |
| (14) | A veterinary nursing facility must have an area in which patients can be exercised indoors or outdoors, which must be designed and constructed in a manner that will minimise escape and facilitate the maintenance of hygiene. |