AFTER THE ADA - SERVICE DOGS ON INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC UNITS

This article explores the case histories of two disabled patients admi tted with service dogs to an inpatient psychiatric unit in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These cases illustrate the clinical realities of provisions in this new law that affect inpa tient practice. Federal, New York state, and case law that frame the i ssue are reviewed. The experience of living and working with service d ogs in an inpatient milieu required many accommodations and exposed po tentially dangerous consequences that were not immediately recognized. The authors examine the clinical and medicolegal issues raised by the se cases. Recommendations for proactive planning and a screening quest ionnaire for decision making are offered to guide administrators and c linicians attempting to balance civil liberties with clinical common s ense in making reasonable accommodations for the disabled.