ADA National Network Learning Session: Unleashing Service Animal Best Practices in Healthcare Settings

The ADA sets clear rules for service animals, yet real-world application in healthcare is rarely one-size-fits-all. This session goes beyond the two allowable questions to examine policies, procedures, and practices across emergency, outpatient, inpatient, and long-term care settings. Through real-world scenarios, participants will explore rights and responsibilities to harness greater understanding of compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe the rights and responsibilities of service dog handlers, healthcare providers, patients, and visitors within healthcare settings.
• Differentiate how service animal policies, procedures, and practices may appropriately vary across emergency, outpatient, inpatient, and long-term care environments.
• Identify best practices that promote compliance, safety, and patient-centered care when service animals are present.

Presenter:

Laura Lee Putzback is Executive Director of Service Dog Alliance, Inc., an all-volunteer nonprofit promoting safe, unfettered access for service animal handlers. With 30+ years in health and human services, she provides community education to implement practical ADA-compliant strategies.

She is co-facilitator of the Florida ADA Coordinator Network and a member of the ADA National Train the Leader Network. Laura Lee is a certified ADA Coordinator and has a Bachelor of Science in Human and Social Services Administration from Bellevue University.