We give everyone who has indirect or direct contact with animals a training about the possible health risks involved with working with animals.  Then, only those who directly handle animals fills out (1) an initial form to disclose allergies or other medical conditions, and (2) and annual form that basically asks if they had any medical issues over the past year.  People indirectly exposed to animals don't fill these out, which OLAW said is fine and cuts down on the administrative burden and cost.

The training and initial form are done after hiring but required before working with animals.  The forms are reviewed by a nurse or doctor, and the University pays for all associated costs.

Larry

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Larry Waxler, Director
Office of Sponsored Programs
University of Southern Maine
1 Chamberlain Avenue
P.O. Box 9300
Portland, ME  04104-9300
Telephone: 207-780-4413
Telefax: 207-780-4927

>>> Brandt Burgess <xxxxxx@CARYINSTITUTE.ORG> 8/14/2013 12:43 PM >>>
Hello all,

For those of you involved in your institution's animal welfare program, how do you address OLAW's "requirement" for medical evaluation of all persons working with vertebrate animals?  Do you require the evaluation pre-or post-hiring?  Who pays for it?  Do you even require this evaluation?

We are in the process of figuring this out for our next assurance, and being a small institution, is quite a burden.

Thanks in advance,

Brandt

Brandt R. Burgess, Ph.D.
Grants Manager & Compliance Officer
Cary Institute of Ecosystems Studies
PO Box AB
2801 Sharon Turnpike
Millbrook, NY  12545
Office:  845-677-7600 x202
Fax:  845-677-5976
xxxxxx@caryinstitute.org
[cid:image001.jpg@01CE98EB.DF103180]<http://www.caryintranet.org/>

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