Health and Medication Management

Program directors should consider participant health needs during the planning process and establish procedures appropriate to the nature, duration, and location of the program. Programs should be prepared to respond to illnesses, injuries, allergies, medical emergencies, and other health-related needs that may arise during participation. 

Health Information

Programs should consider collecting health information that is reasonably necessary to support participant safety and emergency response. Depending on the nature of the program, this may include:

• Emergency contact information
• Allergies and allergy action plans
• Medical conditions that could affect participation 
• Dietary restrictions
• Physical activity restrictions or limitations
• Information regarding emergency medications, such as inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors, seizure rescue medications, or glucose treatments.

Any health information collected should be limited to what is reasonably necessary for program planning and emergency response. Programs should take appropriate steps to protect the privacy and confidentiality of participant information and should share such information only with individuals who have a legitimate need to know.

Emergency Medications

Programs should identify participants who require emergency medications and ensure those medications are readily accessible throughout the program, including during field trips, off-site activities, and outdoor programming. 

Examples of emergency medications include:

• Asthma rescue inhalers
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (i.e., EpiPens)
• Seizure rescue medications
• Glucose treatments for diabetic emergencies

Programs should develop emergency action plans for participants with life-threatening conditions and ensure program personnel know how to access emergency medications and respond appropriately.

Medication Management

Programs that collect, store, administer, distribute, or monitor participant medications should establish written medication management procedures before the program begins. Requirements differ based on the nature of the program, the presence of licensed healthcare personnel, and whether the program is residential/overnight or daytime only.

At a minimum, program directors should:

• Designate personnel responsible for medication management
• Obtain appropriate health and medication documentation
• Ensure medications are handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations
• Establish procedures for medication storage, self-administration, and documentation
• Develop plans for responding to medication errors and medical emergencies