Ciscomani Leads Letter to Allow Students and Professionals who Work in Laboratories Access to their Service Dogs

WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) led a letter to Dr. Mandy Cohen, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urging a change to the CDC’s Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) guideline manual to allow service dogs in laboratories for individuals with disabilities who utilize them.  

The current guidance states, “Animals and plants not associated with the work being performed are not permitted in the laboratory.” This leaves no room for objective assessment for equal or equitable access and opportunities for those with disabilities who utilize a service dog. 

Ciscomani encourages the CDC to amend the current BMBL guidelines to state, “Animals and plants not associated with the work being performed are not permitted in the laboratory; service dogs may be an exception based on an individualized risk assessment.”  

“Individuals who utilize service dogs who study or work in laboratories should not be judged or discriminated against due to their disabilities,” said Ciscomani. “Whether they need new assistance due to an accident, or have a lifelong disability, this guideline is denying these individuals reasonable accommodation and forcing them to put their ambitions and career on hold. My proposed solution would expand equitable access to students and working professionals in the science industry who rely on a service dog for medical assistance.” 

Ciscomani was joined by Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), David Valadao (CA-22), Brandon Williams (NY-22), and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) in this effort.  

Full text of the letter is available here.  

###