As in effect on October 1, 2002
The Office of Licensing in the Department of Human Services, shall license outdoor youth programs according to standards and procedures established by this rule.
Pursuant to 62A-2-101 et seq., the purpose of this rule is to define standards and procedures by which the Office of Licensing shall license outdoor youth programs. Programs designed to provide rehabilitation services to adjudicated minors shall adhere to these rules as established by the Division of Youth Corrections, in accordance with 62A- 7-104-11.
In addition to terms defined and used in Section 62A-2-101(20), Utah Code:
A. "Consumer" means the minor being provided the service by the program, not the parent or contracting agent that has enrolled the minor in the program.
B. "Escort"means transportation of youth consumers from their home to the program or from the program back to their home or other pre-determined destination by paid adult chaperones.
A. In addition to the following standards and procedures, all outdoor youth programs shall comply with R501-2, Core Standards.
B. Records of enrollment of all consumers shall be on file at the field office at all times.
C. Information provided to parents, community, and media shall be accurate and factual.
D. Programs shall provide an educational component as determined by the Utah State Board of Education for consumers up to 18 years of age who have been removed from their educational opportunities for more than one month. The administrators of the program shall meet and cooperate with the local Board of Education.
E. Programs which advertise as providing educational credit to consumers shall be approved by the Utah State Board of Education.
F. The program shall have written procedures for handling any suspected incident of child abuse or Department of Human Services, hereinafter referred to as DHS, Provider Code of Conduct violation, including the following:
1. a procedure for ensuring that the staff member involved does not work directly with the youth involved or any other youth in the program until the investigation is completed or formal charges filed and adjudicated,
2. a procedure for ensuring that a director or member of the governing body involved in or suspected of abuse shall be relieved of their responsibility and authority over the policies and activities of the program, or any other youth program, as well as meet the sanctions as described in 1. above, until the investigation is completed or formal charges are filed and adjudicated, and
3. a procedure for disciplining any staff member or director involved in an incident of child abuse or DHS Provider Code of Conduct violation, including termination of employment if found guilty of felony child abuse, or loss of position, including directorship if found guilty of misdemeanor child abuse.
G. If any director or person in a management position is involved in or suspected of child abuse or neglect, the program shall submit to an extensive review by DHS or law enforcement officials to determine or establish the continued safe operation or possible termination of the program. The licensing review shall be completed within 72 hours.
H. Failure to implement and comply with 1., 2., 3., and G. above will be grounds for immediate suspension or revocation of program license.
I. Until charges of abuse, neglect or licensing violations are resolved, no license shall be issued to any program with owners, silent owners, or any staff management personnel that were prior owners or staff management personnel in a program against which the above charges were alleged.
J. If charges result in a criminal conviction or civil or administrative findings that allegations were true, no license shall be issued to any program with owners, silent owners, or staff management personnel from the prior program.
A. Programs that operate in Utah and one or more other states shall meet the requirements for licensure as established for each of the states.
B. There shall be a written plan for expedition groups, approved by the program governing body, which shall not expose consumers to unreasonable risks.
C. The program shall inventory all consumer personal items and shall return all inventoried items, except contraband, to the consumer following program completion. The consumer shall sign the inventory list at the time of inventory and again when items are returned.
D. The Office of Licensing shall review and approve the program's training plan governing consequences for consumer conduct.
E. Each consumer shall have clothing and equipment to protect the consumer from the environment. This equipment shall never be removed, denied, or made unavailable to a consumer. If a consumer refuses or is unable to carry all of his or her equipment, the group shall cease hiking, and reasons for refusal or inability to continue will be established and resolved before hiking continues. Program directors are responsible to train staff regarding this standard and to regularly monitor compliance. There shall never be a deprivation of any equipment as a consequence. Such equipment shall include the following:
1. sunscreen; the program staff shall ensure appropriate consumer usage,
2. insect repellent,
3. frame or no frame backpack when weight to be carried by each consumer exceeds 20 percent of the consumer's body weight. Consumer shall not be required to carry a load of more than 30 percent of his body weight,
4. personal hygiene items,
5. female hygiene supplies,
6. wool blankets and tarp or poncho for summer months when the average nighttime temperature is 40 degrees F. or above,
7. sleeping bags, shelter and ground pad for winter months when the average nighttime temperature is 39 degrees F. or lower, and
8. basic clothing list to ensure consumer protection against seasonal change in the environment.
F. The program shall provide consumers with clean clothing at least weekly and shall provide a means for consumers to bathe or otherwise clean their bodies a minimum of twice weekly. Female consumers shall be issued baby wipes or similar products for hygiene purposes.
G. Hiking shall not exceed the physical capability of the weakest member of the group. Hiking shall be prohibited at temperatures above 95 degrees F. or minus 10 degrees F. including wind chill factor. If a consumer cannot or will not hike, the group shall not continue.
H. Map routes, including anticipated schedules and times shall be carried by the field staff.
I. Field staff shall maintain a common, signed, daily log or dictate a recorded log to be transcribed and signed immediately following termination of the activity.
1. The log shall contain the following information; accidents, injuries, medications, behavioral problems, and all unusual occurrences.
2. All log entries shall be recorded in permanent ink.
3. These logs shall be available to state staff.
J. Incoming and outgoing mail to parents, guardians, and attorneys shall not be restricted but shall be delivered in as prompt a manner as the location and circumstances dictate.
K. Outgoing mail to parents, guardians, or attorneys shall not be read or censored.
L. Incoming mail from parents or guardians shall not be read or censored without written permission from a parent or guardian.
M. All other mail may be restricted only by parental request in writing.
N. All incoming mail may be required to be opened in the presence of staff. Contraband shall be confiscated.
O. All local, state, and federal regulations and professional licensing requirements shall be met.
A. All staff, interns, and volunteers shall meet the provisions of R501-14 and R501-18.
B. Each program shall have a governing body and an executive director who shall have responsibility and authority over the policies and activities of the program. and shall coordinate office and support services, training, etc,. The executive director shall have, at a minimum, the following qualifications:
1. be at least 25 years of age,
2. have a BA or BS degree or equal training and experience in a related field,
3. have a minimum of two years of outdoor program administrative experience,
4. have a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours education in recreational therapy or related experience or one year Outdoor Youth Program field experience,
5. demonstrate complete knowledge and understanding of relevant licensing rules, and
6. have completed an initial staff training and field course, see R501-8-8.
C. Each program shall have a program or field director who coordinates field operations, manages the field staff, and operates the field office. The program or field director shall meet, at a minimum, the following qualifications:
1. be at least 25 years of age,
2. have a BA or BS degree or equal training and experience in a related field,
3. have minimum of two years of outdoor program administrative experience,
4. have a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours education in recreational therapy or related field, or one year Outdoor Youth Program field experience,
5. demonstrate complete knowledge and understanding of relevant licensing rules,
6. have primary responsibility for field activities and visit in the field a minimum of twice weekly,
7. prepare reports of each visit, document conditions of consumers, document interactions of consumers and staff, and ensure compliance with rules,
8. be trained and certified annually in CPR and standard first aid, and
9. have completed an initial staff training and field course, see R501-8-8.
D. Each program shall have field support staff responsible for delivery of supplies to the field, mail delivery, communications, and first aid support. The field support staff shall meet, at a minimum, the following qualifications:
1. be at least 21 years of age,
2. have a high school diploma or equivalency,
3. be trained and certified annually in CPR and standard first aid, and
4. have completed an initial staff training and field course, see R501-8-8.
E. Each program shall have senior field staff working directly with the consumer who shall meet, at a minimum, the following qualifications:
1. be at least 21 years of age,
2. have an associate degree or high school diploma with 30 semester or 45 quarter hours education and training or comparable experience and training in a related field,
3. have six months program field experience or comparable experience which shall be documented in the individual's personnel file,
4. be trained and certified annually in CPR and standard first aid,
5. have completed an initial staff training and field course, see R501-8-8, and
6. be with groups at all times.
F. Each field staff shall meet, at a minimum, the following qualifications:
1. be a minimum of 19 years of age,
2. have a high school diploma or equivalency,
3. have three months field experience or comparable experience which shall be documented in the individual's personnel file,
4. exhibit leadership skill,
5. be trained and certified annually in CPR and standard first aid, and
6. have completed an initial staff training and field course, see R501-8-8.
G. Each program shall have assistant field staff to meet the required consumer to staff ratio. Assistant field staff shall meet, at a minimum, the following qualifications:
1. be a minimum of 19 years of age,
2. have a high school diploma or equivalency,
3. have two months field experience,
4. exhibit leadership skill,
5. be trained and certified annually in CPR and standard first aid, and
6. have completed an initial staff training and field course, see R501-8-8.
H. Each program shall have a multi-disciplinary team, accessible to consumers which shall include, at a minimum, the following:
1. a licensed physician or consulting licensed physician,
2. a treatment professional who may be one of the following:
a. a licensed psychologist or consulting licensed psychologist,
b. a certified or licensed clinical social worker,
c. a licensed recreation therapist,
d. a licensed marriage and family counselor,
e. a licensed school counselor, or
f. an educator certified in related curriculum.
3. All clinical and therapeutic personnel shall be licensed or certified by the State of Utah.
I. Each program may have program and clinical interns who are learning the program practices while completing educational requirements.
1. Interns shall be a minimum of 18 years old.
2. Initial training program shall be completed by all incoming staff including interns regardless of background experience, except for contract labor, see R501-8-8.
3. Internships shall be a minimum of 21 field days, following any initial training program, see R501- 8-8.
4. Clinical interns pursuing licensure shall be under the supervision of a licensed therapist.
5. Program interns shall be supervised by program staff.
6. Field interns shall not supervise consumers at any time.
J. Each program may have program volunteers.
1. Volunteers shall be under direct, constant supervision of program staff.
2. Volunteers shall not be left in the role of supervising consumers at any time.
3. Volunteers shall be at least 18 years of age and meet program guidelines.
A. Each youth group shall be supervised by at least two staff members at all times.
B. In a mixed gender group, there shall be at least one female staff and one male staff.
C. Expedition group size, including staff members, cannot exceed fifteen people with a minimum of a one to four staff to consumer ratio.
D. Volunteers shall be counted as a consumer in figuring staff to consumer ratios.
E. Expedition group size shall not exceed the number specified by federal, state, or local agencies in whose jurisdiction the program is operated.
A. The program shall provide a means for an initial staff training consisting of a seven day academic curriculum, which includes a four day practicum or field training. Training must be completed before any supervision of consumers occurs. The program shall verify that the trainee has Red Cross or comparable certification in standard first aid and CPR.
B. The program shall also provide a field course consisting of a minimum of 21 days.
C. The initial staff training and field course training shall include instruction in the following topics:
1. counseling, teaching and supervisory skills,
2. water, food, and shelter procurement, preparation and conservation,
3. low impact wilderness expedition and environmental conservation skills and procedures,
4. consumer management, including containment, control, safety, conflict resolution, and behavior management,
5. instruction in safety procedures and safe equipment use; fuel, fire, life protection, and related tools,
6. instruction in emergency procedures; medical, evacuation, weather, signaling, fire, runaway and lost consumers,
7. sanitation procedures; water, waste, food, etc.,
8. specialty instruction as required,
9. CPR, standard first aid, and wilderness medicine; all outdoor youth program staff must be recertified annually in CPR and standard first aid.
10. navigation skills, including map and compass use and contour and celestial navigation,
11. local environmental precautions, including terrain, weather, insects, poisonous plants, response to adverse situations and emergency evacuation,
12. leadership and judgment,
13. report writing, including development and maintenance of logs and journals, and
14. Federal, state, and local regulations, including Department of Human Services, Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service, National Parks Service, Utah State Department of Fish and Game.
Prior to engaging in any field activity, all staff shall adhere to the following:
A. All field staff, interns, and volunteers shall have an annual physical examination and health history signed by a licensed medical professional. A recognized physical stress assessment shall be completed as part of the physical examination.
B. Physical examinations shall be reviewed and maintained by the provider in the staff personnel file.
C. All program staff, interns, and volunteers shall agree to submit to drug and alcohol screening as provided for by federal and state law.
A. Consumers shall be at least 13 years of age and no older than 18 years of age and have a current health history which includes notation of limitations and prescriptive medications, completed and submitted within 30 days prior to entrance into the field program and verified by a parent or legal guardian.
B. Admissions screening shall be supervised by a treatment professional before consumer entrance into the field program and shall include the following:
1. a review of consumer social and psychological history with the parent or legal guardian prior to enrollment,
2. an interview with the consumer prior to entrance into the field program, and
3. a review of consumer's health history and physical examination prior to entrance into the field program.
C. Consumer shall have a physical examination within 30 days prior to entrance to field program. Documentation of the examination, on a form provided by the program and signed by a licensed medical professional, shall be submitted to the program within 30 days prior to entrance to field program.
D. A physical examination form shall be provided to the licensed medical professional by the program and the form shall clearly state a description of the physical demands and environment of the program, and require the following information:
1. urinalysis drug screen,
2. CBC, blood count,
3. urinalysis for possible infections,
4. SMA-6, Electrolyte screen,
5. pregnancy test for all female consumers,
6. physical stress assessment based on climate, temperature, age, weight, and sex, and
7. determination by the physician if detoxification is indicated for consumer prior to entrance into field program.
E. Copies of consumer's medical forms shall be maintained at the field office and another copy carried by staff members in a waterproof container throughout the course.
F. Prior to placement in the program, psychological evaluations are recommended for consumers who have a history of chronic psychological disorders.
G. Academic evaluations shall be completed on consumers enrolled in programs that provide academic credits.
H. Upon admission, the consumer shall be given a period of no fewer than three days to become acclimated to the environment. During this time the consumer shall be monitored by staff for any health problems that may be a result of climate change.
A. Six quarts of potable water shall be available per person, per day, minimum, plus one additional quart per person for each five miles hiked. Although it is not required that the entire amount be hand carried, access to water shall be available at all times during hiking.
B. In temperatures above 90 degrees F., staff shall make sure consumer intake is a minimum of three quarts of water per day, electrolyte replacement shall be available with the expeditionary group at all times.
C. In temperatures above 80 degrees F., water shall be available for coating consumer's body for the purpose of cooling as needed.
D. Each water cache shall be placed prior to the day the group leaves camp. Water cache location information shall be verified with field staff before the group leaves camp each day.
E. Expedition group shall not depend on aerial drops for water supply. Aerial water drops shall be used for emergency situations only.
F. All water from natural sources shall be treated for sanitation to eliminate health hazards.
G. Each program shall have a written menu describing food supplied to the consumer which shall provide a minimum of 3000 calories per day. There must be fresh fruit and vegetables at least twice a week. Food shall never be withheld from a consumer for any reason. If a consumer refuses to carry food, the group will stop. Food may not be withheld as a punishment. If no fire is available, other food of equal caloric value which does not require cooking shall be available.
1. The menu shall adjust to provide 30-100 percent increase in minimum dietary needs as energy expenditure such as exercise increases, or climate conditions such as cold weather dictate.
2. Food shall be from a balance of the food groups.
3. Forage items shall not be used toward the determination of caloric intake.
4. There shall be no program fasting for more than 24 hours per expeditionary cycle. Multiple vitamin supplements shall be provided daily.
A. First aid treatment shall be provided in as prompt a manner as the location and circumstances will allow. This includes first aid for injury, illness, and venomous bites.
B. A consumer with an illness or physical complaint beyond standard first aid treatment shall be immediately transported to the appropriate medical professional or facility. Complaints and responses shall be documented in the daily log and treatment notes. Each consumer shall be assessed every 21 days for his physical condition by a qualified professional such as an EMT. Blood pressure, heart rate, allergies, and general physical condition will be checked and documented. Any concerns will be documented, and the consumer will be taken to the appropriate medical professional for treatment. Medical treatment shall be provided by medical personnel and medication provided as needed. There shall be no consequences to a consumer for requesting to see a health care professional or for anything said to a health care professional.
C. All prescriptive and over the counter medications shall be kept in the possession of designated staff and provided to consumers to be used as prescribed.
D. Prescriptive medication shall be administered as prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner who is licensed according to the Medical Practices Act. Staff shall be responsible for the following:
1. supervise self-medication,
2. record medication, including time and dosage, and
3. record effects of medication, if any.
A. First aid kits shall include sufficient supplies for the activity, location, and environment and shall be available during all field activities. Emergency evacuation equipment shall be on standby.
B. Program shall have a support system that meets the following criteria:
1. Reliable daily two-way radio communications with additional charged battery packs, and a backup system of verbal contact in the event the radio system fails.
2. The support vehicle and base camp shall be equipped with first aid equipment.
3. The support personnel shall have access to all contacts, i.e., telephone numbers, locations, contact personnel, and procedures for an emergency evacuation or field incident.
4. Periods between contacts made by the support staff and field staff shall not exceed 24 hours unless special arrangements are made. Radio contact shall be available from field staff to base camp on a continuous basis.
A. Each program shall maintain a base camp or field office.
B. Base camp or field office shall be staffed and monitored 24 hours a day during program activities.
C. Base camp or field office staff shall adhere tp the following:
1. maintain current staff and consumer files which include demographics, eligibility criteria, and medical forms as a minimum,
2. maintain a current list of names of staff and consumers in each field group,
3. maintain a master map of all activity areas,
4. maintain copies of each expeditionary route with its schedule and itinerary, of which copies shall be sent to the Office of Licensing and local law enforcement, as requested by these agencies,
5. maintain a log of communications,
6. be responsible for training and orientation, management of field personnel, related files, and records,
7. be responsible for maintaining communications, equipment inspection, and overseeing medical incidents, and
8. provide all information as requested for review by state staff.
A. All programs shall adhere to land use agencies requirements relative to sanitation and low impact camping.
B. Consumers shall be instructed daily in the observance of low-impact camping requirements.
C. Personal hygiene supplies shall be of biodegradable materials.
A. Each program shall have a written plan or action for disaster and casualties to include the following:
1. designation of authority and staff assignments,
2. plan for evacuation,
3. transportation and relocation of consumers when necessary, and
4. supervision of consumers after evacuation or relocation.
B. The program shall have a written plan which personnel follow in medical emergencies and arrangements for medical care, including notification of consumer's physician and nearest relative or guardian.
The program shall have policies and procedures designed to prevent or eliminate infectious and communicable diseases in the field.
There shall be no escort services operated by an outdoor youth program.
A. There shall be written policy and procedures for transporting consumers.
B. There shall be a means of transportation in case of emergency.
C. Drivers of vehicles shall have a valid drivers license and follow safety requirements of the State.
D. Each vehicle shall be equipped with an adequately supplied first aid kit.
E. When transporting any consumer for any reason, there shall be two staff present at all times, one of which shall be of the same sex as the consumer, except in emergencies.
F. Staff shall adhere to local, state, and federal laws concerning the operation of motor vehicles.
G. Staff and consumers shall wear seat belts at all times while the vehicle is moving.
A. Following the wilderness experience, each consumer shall receive a debriefing to include a written summary of the consumer's participation and the progress they achieved.
B. Parents, consumers, and other involved individuals shall be provided the opportunity and encouraged to submit a written evaluation of the wilderness experience, which shall be retained by the program for a period of two years.
Due to the difficulty of monitoring outdoor programs and the inherent dangers of the wilderness, a single violation of the foregoing life and safety rules may result in immediate revocation of license and removal of consumers from programs pursuant to General Provisions as found in R501-1.
licensing, human services, youth
January 16, 2001
August 5, 1997
62A-2-101 et seq.
Rule converted into HTML by the Division of Administrative Rules.
For questions regarding the content or application of rules under Title R501, please contact the promulgating agency (Human Services, Administration, Administrative Services, Licensing). A list of agencies with links to their homepages is available at http://www.utah.gov/government/agencylist.html.
For questions about the rulemaking process, please contact the Division of Administrative Rules. Please Note: The Division of Administrative Rules is not able to answer questions about the content or application of these rules.