Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to train staff to administer medications?
The camp operator and health supervisor ultimately determine how many staff require medication administration training. Keep in mind, it can be considered an Americans with Disabilities act violation to deny children entry to camp due to medications or refuse entry to camp due to necessary medications. As a general rule, it is important to have at least one staff member who will be readily available to give medication, in addition to a back-up staff member that could assume these duties in case of absence.
What type of Medication Administration Certification do I need for camp?
There are a number of different medication administration certifications in the state of Maryland. Acceptable forms of certifications include
Maryland Department of Health Approved Youth Camp Medication Administration Courses: these are the only courses designed specifically for Maryland youth camps and must be completed annually.
Maryland Board of Nursing Certified Medication Technician- School Health: this certification is initially 20 hours in length, requires renewal every two years.
Maryland State Department of Education Office of Early Childhood Care Medication Administrations Training (MAT): this 6 hour course is often approved by the Maryland Department of Health to be used for camp medication administration IF completed annually.
Physicians and Registered Nurses
Do I need to take an Emergency Use Epinephrine course?
The Maryland Emergency Allergy Treatment program allows a youth camp to obtain an Epinephrine auto-injector that could be used on any person in a youth camp who suffers from an allergic reaction. This program is designed to allow camp personnel to save the life of someone who suffers from an anaphylactic reaction, even if they have never been prescribed an Epinephrine auto-injector before. Staff who already have a recognized Maryland Medication Administration training program do not have to take the approved Emergency Allergy Treatment Program course to be able to administer an Epineprhine auto-injector that has prescribed to a specific inidividual.
