Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
ATCP 55-89 - Food, Lodging, and Recreation Safety
Chapter ATCP 78 - Recreational And Educational Camps
Subchapter V - General Provisions
Section ATCP 78.27 - Camp wellness and health staff

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code § ATCP 78.27

Current through February 24, 2025

(1) CAMP WELLNESS.

(a) Physician on staff or consulting physician.Before a camp opens for the first time, and at least annually thereafter, the camp operator shall make written arrangements for medical care of campers and camp staff by a staff physician, consulting physician or the consulting physician's practice. P

(b) Staff physician or consulting physician standing orders. Health services staff shall work under the delegation of a physician licensed pursuant to ch. 448, Stats., who is available on-site during the camping season or for consultation services.
1. The staff physician or consulting physician, in cooperation with the camp operator, shall develop standing orders, signed by the physician, for the administration of medications, routine health care and emergency medical care at the camp. P

Note: Wisconsin is identified in a high incidence category for Lyme disease, therefore it is recommended that a written protocol should include tick bite identification and removal techniques, such the following resource provided by the United States centers for disease control and prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/resources/FS-Guidance-for-Clinicians-Patients-after-TickBite-508.pdf.

Note: Bats are the leading rabies vector in Wisconsin. It is recommended that camp staff are trained in bat education and that a written protocol be developed that includes: how to prevent and recognize a bat exposure, safe capture of a bat and what to do in the event a bat is found in a room with sleeping campers. A copy of the rabies algorithm can be found at the Wisconsin department of health services website at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/rabies/algorithm/index.htm.

2. The physician shall review, sign and date the standing orders annually. P

(c) Camp vehicle. A camp shall have a vehicle available at all times to transport a camper or staff member requiring urgent medical services to a hospital or clinic when the camp cannot provide the needed services or as approved by the department or its agent. Pf

(d) Camper health history.
1. Each camper upon arrival at the camp, shall present to the health services staff or to the rental groups health services staff as required pursuant to s. ATCP 78.16, an up-to-date written health history. P Health histories shall include all of the following:
a. Any physical condition or limitations. P

b. Medications. P

c. Allergies. P

d. Immunization status or a signed document by the legal guardian presented to the camp objecting to the immunization requirements for a camper for reasons of health, religion or personal conviction that meets the requirements pursuant to s. 252.04(3), Stats. P

e. Any special health and behavioral considerations, including mental, emotional, social and developmental needs or restrictions of the camper. Pf

f. Permission from the family that allows for a camper to self-carry and administer emergency medication, such as epinephrine, inhalers, or insulin, if applicable. P

2. For a camper under 18 years of age, the written health history shall be prepared and signed by a parent or legal guardian. P

3. Parent or legal guardian's written consent to treat camper in case of an emergency. Pf

4. Signed permission by the parent or legal guardian for camp health services staff to provide routine healthcare treatment, identifying over-the-counter medications that can be administered. Pf

Note: It is recommended that each camper upon arrival at the camp, also present to the health services staff a written report of a physical examination performed within the preceding 24 months by a physician, a physician assistant, or a nurse practitioner.

(e) Camp staff health history.
1. Each camp staff member, upon arrival at the camp, shall present to the health services staff or to the rental groups health services staff, as required pursuant to s. ATCP 78.16, an up-to-date written health history. P Health histories shall include all of the following:
a. Any physical condition or limitations. P

b. Medications. P

c. Allergies. P

d. Based on the staff member's job description, clarification of any camp activities from which the staff member should be exempted or limited for health reasons as indicated by qualified medical personnel. Pf

e. A statement indicating if the staff member requires any medication that might impair their ability to perform the essential functions of their position. Pf

f. Who to contact in case of emergency.

g. Immunization status as determined by the consulting physician and camp health supervisor. P

2. For camp staff under 18 years of age, the written health history shall be provided as required pursuant to par. (d). P

(f) Health center. A camp shall have written procedures and space for the temporary isolation of sick or injured campers and staff members. P

Note: Reportable communicable diseases are listed in appendix A to ch. DHS 145. Cases are to be reported to the local health officer or the department pursuant to s. 252.05, Stats., and ch. DHS 145.

(g) First-aid supplies. A camp shall have first-aid supplies as determined by the staff physician or consulting physician standing orders. Pf

(h) Emergency Phone.
1. A telephone capable of connecting with 911 or emergency dispatch services shall be accessible at all times during camp operation. P

2. Other telephone technology may be used that has continuous power backup and a reliable service connection. P

3. The installation and location of the telephone shall be in close proximity to the camp buildings or lodging units and the telephone shall be available to camp staff and campers. Pf

4. A current list of emergency numbers, including 911, and the facility's location shall be attached to or posted near the telephone. P

(i) AED. If provided, the camp shall ensure the AED meets all of the following:
1. Maintained in operational condition in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. P

2. Tested in accordance with any operational guidelines of the manufacturer. Pf

3. Continually available on camp premises when camp is in session. Pf

Note: Camp administration is encouraged to consider placement of multiple AED(s) based on the population served and activities conducted.

(2) HEALTH STAFF REQUIREMENTS FOR A CAMP OR RENTAL GROUP OPERATING FOR 3 NIGHTS OR MORE.

(a) Camp health services supervisor.
1. Except as provided pursuant to sub. (3), a camp shall have an adult camp health supervisor who shall be responsible for routine and urgent health care supervision at the camp and meet the requirements pursuant to par. (b) 1.to 5. P

2. The camp health supervisor shall inform appropriate camp staff of any specific needs, as identified in the camper health history, of a camper whom they are responsible. Pf

(b) Health services qualifications.
1. The health staff shall include at least one of the following: P
a. A physician licensed in Wisconsin pursuant to s. 448.033, Stats.

b. A registered nurse licensed in Wisconsin pursuant to s. 441.115(3), Stats.

c. A physician assistant licensed in Wisconsin.

d. A practical nurse licensed in Wisconsin.

e. A national athletic trainers association certified trainer and meeting subd. 4.

f. An emergency medical services practitioner as defined in s. 256.01(5), Stats., and meeting subd. 4.

g. A person currently certified as completing the American Red Cross responding to emergencies course or equivalent and meeting subd. 4.

h. A person currently certified as completing a wilderness first aid course as approved by the department and meeting subd. 4.

2. Health services staff at a camp shall hold current certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association for basic CPR and AED. P A camp shall follow the staffing requirement for CPR and AED as follows:
a. If the local ambulance service provider or emergency medical services states in writing that there is a target response time of 30 minutes or less to the camp, the camp shall meet the requirements pursuant to s. ATCP Table 78.27, for all programs going to a physical location. P

b. If the local ambulance service provider or emergency medical service response is greater than 30 minutes, the camp shall meet the requirements pursuant to s. ATCP Table 78.27. P

3. Health services staff at a camp shall hold a current certificate for the completion of the American Red Cross or American Heart Association first-aid course or equivalent. P

4. Health services staff administering medication and only meeting the requirements pursuant to subds. 2. and 3., shall annually take the Wisconsin department of public instruction online course, Medication Administration Principles and shall maintain documentation of the assessment test and passing grade. P

Note: The Wisconsin department of public instruction course Medication Administration Principles can be found at the following link. https://media.dpi.wi.gov/sspw/av/bmap/story_html5.html.

5. If a camp is prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector or pre-filled syringe as an authorized entity that is not patient-specific or the camp plans to have health services staff help administer epinephrine to a camper, health services staff shall complete an anaphylaxis training program required pursuant to s. 255.07(5), Stats., and meet all of the following:
a. The health services staff member shall complete a training program conducted by a nationally recognized organization experienced in training laypersons in emergency health treatment or an organization approved by the Wisconsin department of health services. P

b. The training certificate shall be maintained on the camp premises. P

c. The training certificate shall be made available to the department or its agent upon request.

(c) Health services coverage. A camp shall meet the requirements pursuant to s. ATCP Table 78.27, for health service staff coverage at the camp at all times during camp operations. P

(d) Health services staff coverage for off-premises trips and primitive camping.
1. If the local ambulance service provider or emergency medical services states in writing that there is a target response time of 30 minutes or less to the camp, the camp shall meet the requirements pursuant to s. ATCP Table 78.27, for all off-premises trips and primitive camping. P

2. If the local ambulance service provider or emergency medical service response time is greater than 30 minutes, the camp shall meet the requirements pursuant to s. ATCP Table 78.27, for all off-premises trips and primitive camping. P

(3) ALTERNATIVE HEALTH SERVICES REQUIREMENTS FOR A RENTAL GROUP THAT OPERATES FOR A PERIOD OF 3 NIGHTS OR LESS. A rental group, such as a school class, a church group, or a scout troop that provides their own health services staff shall meet the requirements pursuant to s. ATCP Table 78.27. P

ATCP Table 78.27 Health Staff Coverage and Training Requirements -

Recreational and educational camp

Minimum number of health services staff available at all times during camp operations, for given EMS response time

Health services staff - minimum training requirements

Ambulance service provider or EMS provides written documentation that response time is 30 minutes or less.

Ambulance service provider or EMS response time is greater than 30 minutes.

More than 3 nights

1

2

A health services supervisor as required pursuant to sub. 2 (a). Additional health services staff providing coverage shall at least meet the requirements pursuant to sub. (2) (b) 2. and 3. and if they are administering medication or epi-nephrine they shall also meet sub. (2) (b) 4. and 5.

Rental Group - 3 nights or less

1

2

Adult leader - Meet requirements nights or less pursuant to sub. (2) (b) 2. and 3. and if they are administering medication or epinephrine they shall also meet sub. (2) (b) 4. and 5.

Off-premises and primitive camping

1

2

Health services staff - Meet requirements pursuant to sub. (2) (b) 2. and 3. and if they are administering medication or epinephrine they shall also meet sub. (2) (b) 4. and 5.

(4) MEDICATIONS BROUGHT TO CAMP.

(a) Prescription medication.
1. Except as specified in subd. 2., all medications brought to camp by a camper or staff member shall be properly labeled with all of the following:
a. The name of the camper or staff member. P

b. The name of the medication. P

c. The dosage. P

d. The frequency of administration. P

e. The route of administration. P

f. Name of the prescribing physician. P

g. The prescription number. P

h. The date prescribed. P

2. A prepackaged pill pack provided by a pharmacy service accompanied by paperwork meeting the requirements as specified pursuant to subd. 1. P

(b) Additional information. Information regarding possible adverse reactions, the specific conditions when contact should be made with the physician and other special instructions shall be documented in the camper health history. P

(c) OTC medications including vitamins, supplements and natural remedies. All OTC medications brought to camp by a camper or staff member shall meet all of the following:
1. Clearly labeled with the name of the camper. P

2. In a container labeled with the name of the medication and directions for use. P

(d) Medication administration and storage. Except as allowed in pars. (e) and (f), all medication brought to camp by a camper or staff member under 18 years of age shall meet all of the following:
1. Kept in a locked unit. P

2. Administered by health services staff qualified pursuant to sub. (2) (b), except that epinephrine auto-injector, pre-filled syringe, inhaler, and insulin or other medication or device used in the event of life-threatening situations may be carried by a camper or staff member. Each camper or staff member 18 years of age or older may take responsibility for the security of their personal medication. P

3. Administered by a parent or legal guardian who is serving as camp staff member that:
a. Retains and administers their own child's medications as long as this information is included in the camps medication record. Pf

b. Takes responsibility for the security of their child's personal medication. Pf

(e) Delegation for administration of medication. For a camp that lasts longer than 3 days, the department shall allow qualified health services staff to designate an individual at the camp to administer, to a camper or staff member who is under 18 years of age, medications brought to the camp by that camper or staff member, other than medications that a camper or staff member may carry themselves pursuant to s. 97.67(5m) (b), Stats. Any individual designated by health services staff to administer medication brought to camp by campers, not meeting the qualifications pursuant to sub. (2) (b) 1., shall meet the requirement pursuant to sub. (2) (b) 4., for completion of the Wisconsin department of public instruction course, Medication Administration Principles. P

Note: The Wisconsin department of public instruction course Medication Administration Principles can be found at the following link. https://media.dpi.wi.gov/sspw/av/bmap/story_html5.html.

(f) Rental group administration of medication. When a camp's facilities are used by a rental group for 3 nights or less, an adult leader of the group shall meet all of the following:
1. Keep all medications brought to camp by a camper or staff member under 18 years of age in a locked unit. P

2. Meet the requirements pursuant to s. ATCP Table 78.27. P

3. Administered by a parent or legal guardian who is serving as camp staff pursuant to par. (d) 3. Pf

(5) HEALTH AND TREATMENT RECORDS.

(a) Health history records. A camp's health services supervisor shall keep available, the health history required pursuant to sub. (1) (d) and (e), for each camper and staff member. Pf

(b) Medication and treatment log. When a medication is administered or treatment provided to a camper or staff member, health services staff shall, as soon as possible, make a record of the action using any one of the following:
1. In a bound book with preprinted page numbers. P

2. By electronic entry into a software program that documents each change to the health record and that does not allow previous changes to the health record to be edited or deleted. P

3. By making an electronic medication administration record, printed with the date and time stamp, from a health software program pursuant to subd. 2., to be used for manual recording with a signature on the form of the individual making entries. P

(c) Medication and treatment record requirements. The record shall indicate all of the following information:
1. Legal name of the person receiving the medication or treatment. Pf

2. Ailment. Pf

3. Name of the medication or treatment. Pf

4. Quantity given. Pf

5. Date and time administered. Pf

6. Initials of the person administering the medication or providing treatment. Pf

7. Comments.

(d) Medication and treatment record storage.
1. The logging of medication and other treatment administered shall support accurate medication and treatment administration in a clear, complete and organized manner. Pf

2. Health history and treatment records shall be accessible, upon request, to the department or its agent.

(e) Record retention. The camp shall retain health history and treatment records for at least 3 calendar years.

(f) Rental group health history, medication and treatment records.
1. The rental group using a camp's facilities and providing their own health services staff shall maintain the health histories and treatment records for their campers and staff. P

2. The health history and treatment records shall be accessible, upon request from the department or its agent.

(g) Rental group record retention.
1. The rental group, if providing health supervision, shall maintain all camper health histories, medication and treatment records for a minimum of 3 calendar years and make the records available upon request to the department or agent within 2 business days of the request.

2. The rental group shall keep a register and a method of tracking individuals entering and leaving the camp during operation, pursuant to s. ATCP 78.28, and make the register and tracking document available upon request to the department or agent within 2 business days of the request.

This section is created eff. 9-24-23 by CR 21-109.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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