ut-20261001-R501-8: R501-8. Outdoor Youth Programs

1. Agency Information

Title catchline: Health and Human Services, Human Services Program Licensing Building: Multi-Agency State Office Building Street address: 195 N 1950 W City, state: Salt Lake City, UT

2. Contact Persons

Name: Phone: Email: Kamille Sheikh 385-227-1290 dlbcrules@utah.gov Jada Stelmach 801-230-4296 dlbcrules@utah.gov Mariah Noble 385-214-1150 mariahnoble@utah.gov Please address questions regarding information on this notice to the persons listed above.

B. Purpose of the new rule or reason for the change:

The purpose of this filing is to address the health and safety standards and statutory requirements of congregate care programs offering outdoor youth programs, regulated by the Office of Licensing (OL), under the Department of Health and Human Services (department). The rule changes comply with the rulemaking requirements in Sections 26B-2-124 and 26B-2-124.1, introduced in SB 297 in the 2025 General Session, as well as a renumbering of Section 26B-2-104 to 26B-2-902, enacted through HB 472 passed in the 2026 General Session. SB 297 (2025) amended Section 26B-2-124 by adding definitions and requirements specific to congregate care program regulation and requiring OL to make rules describing additional mandatory provisions for a disruption plan, suicide prevention plan, objective criteria that a congregate care program shall apply in determining whether a child is in crisis, and how congregate care program shall notify OL when a child begins receiving services. Based on changes from SB 297 (2025), Section 26B-2-124 also requires OL to make rules defining key terms and establish rules necessary to administer the section. SB 297 (2025) also enacted Section 26B-2-124.1, which requires OL to adopt rules. Section 26B-2-124.1 establishes the Congregate Care Advisory Committee and, in consultation with this committee, requires OL to adopt by rule a set of applicable minimum safety requirements and make rules to implement and enforce that section. This section also requires OL to, in consultation with the committee, regulate admissions criteria for congregate care programs and define levels of congregate care. OL and the committee are in the process of developing the standard and intensive levels of congregate care and will update this rule when the levels of congregate care have been determined. Additionally, this filing will update the style and formatting of this rule to be consistent with other rules in the department and align with the Rulewriting Manual for Utah. Proposed changes to this rule resulted in a significant amount of markups, making the filing difficult to follow in an amendment format. Therefore, the department determined it is appropriate to organize this filing as a repeal and readopt.

C. Summary of the new rule or change:

This filing adds the definition of "child in crisis" and outlines criteria for a child to qualify as a candidate for and gain admission to an outdoor youth program. This filing includes requirements for any regulated provider to develop a discharge plan and suicide prevention plan for any client served in an outdoor youth program. 140 UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES Additionally, this filing describes the requirement for providers to post and distribute a notice related to the congregate care ombudsman, and references applicable statute regarding provider requirements. This filing adds a requirement that program administration keep client records for program evaluation available for client and parent or legal guardian review upon request. This filing updates statutory references throughout this rule, as well as updating the title catchline and rule catchline and separates out the "Scope" section from the "Authority and Purpose" section. Multiple sections are reorganized to support clarity for providers and the public. This filing clarifies language related to requirements throughout this rule, as well as updating requirements regarding the weight of a backpack a client can carry, communication system requirements to include additional options beyond a radio system, and supervision requirements. This filing adds "Background Checks" and "Compliance" sections to align with other department rules. This filing also updates references that were renumbered through HB 472 (2026). Additionally, it makes style and formatting changes to align with the Rulewriting Manual for Utah and other rules under the department. 4. Legislative Action Information

B. If yes, any bill number and SB 297 (2025 General Session), HB 472 (2026 General Session)

session: 5. Fiscal Information Provide an estimate and written explanation of the aggregate anticipated cost or savings to:

A. State budget:

This filing is not anticipated to result in a cost or savings on the state budget as congregate care providers are already regulated by OL. This filing is intended to make clear the health and safety requirements for congregate care providers offering outdoor youth programs. Any content that did not previously exist under other department rules is based on new requirements for congregate care providers as a result of SB 297 (2025) and is related to admissions criteria and the responsibilities of the Congregate Care Advisory Committee created in Section 26B-1-204 and described in Section 26B-2-124.1, any costs for which have been identified and considered in the fiscal note for SB 297 (2025). Any new content in this rule related to a disruption plan and suicide prevention plan for a client in a congregate care program provides specifics for an existing requirement and is not anticipated to introduce any cost or savings. While the time needed for OL to conduct licensing reviews of congregate care providers offering outdoor youth programs may be reduced as a result of this filing containing only relevant requirements, licensors are not likely to reduce work to the point of a measurable savings to the state budget. No new processes are being added to licensing reviews of these providers. The fiscal note for SB 297 (2025) is available at: https://pf.utleg.gov/public-web/sessions/2025GS/fiscal-notes/SB0297S05.fn.pdf. The department does not anticipate any fiscal impact on the state budget as a result of the style and formatting changes, additional clarifying language changes, and revised client backpack weight, expanded communication system requirements, and supervision requirements included in this filing. UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 141 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES

B. Local governments:

This filing is not anticipated on impact local governments' revenues or expenditures because congregate care providers are regulated by OL and not local governments. There will be no change in local business licensing or any other item with which local government is involved. Additionally, OL has not identified any providers offering outdoor youth programs that qualify as local governments. The department does not anticipate any fiscal impact on the local governments as a result of the style and formatting changes, additional clarifying language changes, and revised client backpack weight, expanded communication system requirements, and supervision requirements included in this filing.

C. Small businesses ("small business" means a business employing 1-49 persons):

This filing is not anticipated to result in a cost or savings on small businesses, as OL already regulates congregate care providers and have already been complying with this rule's requirements as part of OL's existing licensing process. Any content that did not previously exist under other department rules is based on new requirements for congregate care providers as a result of SB 297 (2025) and is related to admissions criteria and the responsibilities of the Congregate Care Advisory Committee created in Section 26B-1-204 and described in Section 26B-2-124.1, any costs for which have been identified and considered under the state budget in the fiscal note for SB 297 (2025). Any new content in this rule related to a disruption plan and suicide prevention plan for a client in a congregate care program provides specifics for an existing requirement and is not anticipated to introduce any cost or savings. No new licensing processes have been added to increase costs for small business compliance. The department does not anticipate any fiscal impact on small businesses as a result of the style and formatting changes, additional clarifying language changes, and revised client backpack weight, expanded communication system requirements, and supervision requirements included in this filing.

D. Non-small businesses ("non-small business" means a business employing 50 or more persons):

This filing is not anticipated to result in a cost or savings on non-small businesses, as OL already regulates congregate care providers. Any content that did not previously exist under other department rules is based on new requirements for congregate care providers as a result of SB 297 (2025) and is related to admissions criteria and the responsibilities of the Congregate Care Advisory Committee created in Section 26B-1-204 and described in Section 26B-2-124.1, any costs for which have been identified and considered under the state budget in the fiscal note for SB 297 (2025). Any new content in this rule related to a disruption plan and suicide prevention plan for a client in a congregate care program provides specifics for an existing requirement and is not anticipated to introduce any cost or savings. No new licensing processes have been added to increase costs for non-small business compliance. The department does not anticipate any fiscal impact on the non-small businesses as a result of the style and formatting changes, additional clarifying language changes, and revised client backpack weight, expanded communication system requirements, and supervision requirements included in this filing. E. Persons other than small businesses, non-small businesses, state, or local government entities ("person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental entity, or public or private organization of any character other than an agency): This filing is not anticipated to result in a cost or saving on persons other than small businesses, non-small businesses, state, or local governments, as OL already regulates congregate care providers. Any content that did not previously exist under other department rules is based on new requirements for congregate care providers as a result of SB 297 (2025) and is related to admissions criteria and the responsibilities of the Congregate Care Advisory Committee created in Section 26B-1-204 and described in Section 26B-2-124.1, any costs for which have been identified and considered under the state budget in the fiscal note for SB 297 (2025). 142 UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES Any new content in this rule related to a disruption plan and suicide prevention plan for a client in a congregate care program provides specifics for an existing requirement and is not anticipated to introduce any cost or savings. No new licensing processes have been added to increase costs for persons other than small businesses, non-small businesses, state, or local government entities. The department does not anticipate any fiscal impact on persons other than small businesses, non-small businesses, state, or local government entities as a result of the style and formatting changes, additional clarifying language changes, and revised client backpack weight, expanded communication system requirements, and supervision requirements included in this filing.

F. Compliance costs for affected persons:

Affected persons would be the small businesses, non-small businesses, and persons other than small businesses, non-small businesses, state, or local government entities, including nonprofit entities, providing congregate care outdoor youth program services. Additionally, OL, as the regulatory body for health and safety standards for department providers, is affected by this filing. Any content that did not previously exist under other department rules is based on new requirements for congregate care providers as a result of SB 297 (2025) and is related to admissions criteria and the responsibilities of the Congregate Care Advisory Committee created in Section 26B-1-204 and described in Section 26B-2-124.1, any costs for which have been identified and considered under the state budget in the fiscal note for SB 297 (2025). Any new content in this rule related to a disruption plan and suicide prevention plan for a client in a congregate care program provides specifics for an existing requirement and is not anticipated to introduce any cost. There is no anticipated compliance cost for affected persons as a result of this rule. OL already regulates these providers and there is no anticipated cost associated with licensing reviews eliminating parts of the review that do not apply to this provider type. The department does not anticipate any compliance costs for affected persons as a result of the style and formatting changes, additional clarifying language changes, and revised client backpack weight, expanded communication system requirements, and supervision requirements included in this filing. 6. Regulatory Impact Summary Table Enter the cost or savings in the relevant cell. If there is no cost or savings, enter, "$0." If a cost or savings is inestimable, enter, "inestimable." Fiscal Cost FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 FY2031 State Budget $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Local Governments $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Small Businesses $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Non-Small Businesses $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Other Persons $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Total Fiscal Cost $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Fiscal Benefits FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 FY2031 State Budget $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Local Governments $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Small Businesses $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Non-Small Businesses $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Other Persons $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Total Fiscal Benefits $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Net Fiscal Benefits $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 143 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES 7. Regulatory Impact Analysis Approval The Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, Tracy S. Gruber, has reviewed and approved this regulatory impact analysis. 8. Family Impact Information

A. The agency has considered this rule's impact on family health, stability, and formation: ☒

9. Citation Information Provide citations to the statutory authority for the rule. If there is also a federal requirement for the rule, provide a citation to that requirement: Section 26B-2-124 Section 26B-2-902 11. Public Notice Information The public may submit written or oral comments to the agency identified in box 1.

A. Comments will be accepted until: 11/02/2026

12. Effective Date Information This rule change MAY become effective on: 11/09/2026 (NOTE: This is the date the agency anticipates making the filing effective. It is NOT the effective date) 13. Agency Authorization Information Agency head or Tracy S. Gruber, Commissioner Date: 09/02/2026 designee and title: [R501. Health and Human Services,Administration,Administrative Services, Licensing. R501-8. OutdoorYouth Programs. R501-8-1. Authority, Purpose, and Scope. (1) This rule is authorized by Section 62A-2-106 and establishes standards for the licensure of outdoor youth programs. This rule is intended to supplement the general provisions required of each human services program in Rule R501-1. (2) In the event of conflict, this rule shall supersede other rules under Title R501 R501-8-2. Definitions. (1) The terms used in this rule are defined in Sections 62A-2-101 and R501-1-3. (2) "Essential equipment" means: (a) food; (b) potable water; (c) sunscreen; (d) insect repellant; (e) personal hygiene items; (f) sleeping bags rated for the current seasonal conditions; (g) an additional shelter and ground pad for colder months when the average nighttime temperature is 39 degrees F. or lower; and (h) basic clothing list and protective gear to ensure client protection against seasonal change in the environment. (3) "Field" means geographic area in which program hiking, camping and related client services occur. (4) "Field Office" means the office where coordination of field operations take place. R501-8-3. Administration. (1) Each outdoor youth program shall provide an educational component as determined by the Utah State Board of Education for clients 18 years of age or younger who have been removed from their educational opportunities for more than one month. The administrators of the program shall meet and document cooperation with the State Board of Education in accordance with Section 62A-2-108.1. (2) Each outdoor youth program that advertises as providing educational credit to clients shall be approved by the Utah State Board of Education. (3) Each outdoor youth program shall have a written policy for ensuring that any staff member involved in a suspected incident of child abuse or code of conduct violation does not work directly with the youth involved or any other youth in the program until the investigation is completed or formal charges have been filed and adjudicated, 144 UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES R501-8-4. Program Requirements. (1) Each program that operates in Utah and another state shall meet the requirements for licensure as established by each state. (2) The program field director, program executive director, and governing body for each expedition group shall develop and approve a written plan which may not expose clients to unreasonable risks. (3) Each outdoor youth program shall provide the office with each outdoor youth program training plan governing consequences for client and staff conduct, and the office shall review and approve the plan before implementation. (4) Each outdoor youth program shall ensure that each client has clothing and equipment to protect the client from the environment. This equipment may never be removed, denied, or made unavailable. (5) During an expedition, if a client refuses or cannot hike or to carry the client's equipment, the group shall cease hiking. Each program shall establish, document, and resolve the reasons for the client's refusal or inability to continue before hiking continues. (6) Each outdoor youth program shall ensure that deprivation of essential equipment or items shall not be used as a consequence. (7) Each outdoor youth program shall conduct an individual assessment of each client's recommended backpack weight. Each backpack weight guideline may not exceed 20 % of the client's body weight. If a client is required to carry other items, the total weight carried shall not exceed 30 % of the client's body weight unless individually documented with parental permission to exceed this ratio. (8) Each outdoor youth program shall provide clients with clean clothing at least weekly and shall provide a means for each client to bathe or otherwise clean the client's body at least twice weekly. (9) Hiking shall not exceed the physical capability of the weakest member of the group. Hiking shall be prohibited at temperatures above 90 degrees F. or at temperatures below ten degrees F. (10) Afield staff in each group shall carry a means to accurately measure and display the current temperature. (11) Each expedition plan including map routes, anticipated schedules, and times shall be carried by the field staff and recorded in the field office. (12) A field staff in each group shall maintain a signed daily log or dictate a recorded log to be transcribed and signed immediately following termination of the activity to contain the following information: (a) each critical incident; (b) prescription compliance; (c) each medical concern; (d) each behavioral concern or refusal to hike and how the concern is addressed; (e) each unusual occurrence; and (f) each log entry shall be recorded in an un-editable format and remain available to the office upon request. (13) Each program staff shall be required to carry an accurate, reliable time piece accurately reflecting the time of day and for documentation purposes in log notes and incident reports. (14) Program administration is responsible to train each staff regarding the standards of this section and to regularly monitor and ensure compliance. R501-8-5. Staff, Interns, and Volunteers. (1) Each outdoor youth 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 and training. The executive director shall have the following qualifications: (a) be at least 25 years of age; (b) have a bachelor's degree or equal training and experience in a related field; (c) have at least two years of outdoor youth program administrative experience; (d) have at least 30 credit hours education in recreational therapy or related experience or one-year outdoor youth program field experience; (e) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant licensing rules; and (f) have completed each required staff training. (2) Each outdoor youth program shall have a direct care field director who has primary responsibility for coordinating field operations, managing field staff, operating the field office, and supervising emergency response procedures. (3) Afield director or a qualified designee shall: (a) be trained as a direct care staff in accordance with Section R501-1-14; (b) be at least 25 years of age; (c) have a bachelor's degree or equal training and experience in a related field; (c) have at least two years of outdoor youth program field experience; (d) visit in the field at least two days a week with no more than five days between visits; and (e) document each field visit, including: (i) the condition of each client; (ii) interactions with clients and staff; (iii) incidents and interventions to be reported to each client's guardian and the office; (iv) each report of compliance with Subsection 62A-2-123(6) regarding weekly confidential communication with family; and (v) staff compliance with each policy and rule. (4) Each outdoor youth program shall have field support staff to be responsible for delivering supplies and mail to the field, communication with each client in the field, and first aid support. UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 145 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (5) Each outdoor youth program group shall have direct care senior field staff working directly with the client who shall meet the following qualifications: (a) be trained as a direct care staff in accordance with Section R501-1-14; (b) be at least 21 years of age; (c) have an associate's degree or high school diploma with 30 credit hours of education and training or comparable experience and training in a related field; and (d) have six months outdoor youth program field experience or comparable experience which shall be documented in the individual's personnel file. (6) Each outdoor youth program shall have direct care field staff working directly with the clients who shall meet the following qualifications: (a) be at least 20 years of age; (b) have a high school diploma or equivalent; (c) have 48 field-days of outdoor youth program experience or comparable experience which shall be documented in the individual's personnel file; and (d) exhibit skilled leadership. (7) Each outdoor youth program shall have direct care assistant field staff as required to meet or exceed staff to client ratios.Assistant field staff shall meet the following qualifications: (a) be at least 19 years of age; (b) have a high school diploma or equivalent; (c) have 24 field-days of outdoor youth programs experience; and (d) exhibit skilled leadership. (8) Each outdoor youth program shall have a licensed physician and mental health professional accessible to each client. (9) Each outdoor youth program may have interns or volunteers who are learning the program practices while completing educational requirements. (a) Each intern shall be at least 19 years of age. (b) Each volunteer shall be at least 18 years of age. (c) Staff training shall be completed by each incoming staff including interns and volunteers regardless of background experience. (d) Each volunteer and intern shall be supervised by the clinical director, program administration, or senior direct care staff. (e) Each intern and volunteer shall never directly supervise a client. R501-8-6. Client Supervision. (1) Each youth group shall be directly supervised by at least two direct care staff, one of which must be a direct care senior field staff. (2) Each field group may not exceed 16 people with a ratio of at least one staff per four clients. Staff shall count towards the field group size. (3) Each volunteer shall be counted as a client in figuring staff to client ratios. (4) Field group size may not exceed the number specified by federal, state, or local agencies in whose jurisdiction the program is operated. R501-8-7. Staff Training. (1) An outdoor youth program shall provide at least 80 hours initial staff training. (2) Initial staff training may not be considered completed until the staff have demonstrated to the field director proficiency in each of the following areas: (a) counseling, teaching and supervisory skills; (b) water, food, and shelter procurement, preparation, and conservation; (c) low impact wilderness expedition and environmental conservation skills and procedures; (d) client management, including containment, control, safety, conflict resolution, and behavior management; (e) instruction in safety procedures and safe equipment use, fuel, fire, life protection, and related tools; (f) instruction in emergency procedure, medical treatment, evacuation, weather, signaling, fire, and dealing with runaway and lost clients; (g) sanitation procedures, water, trash, human waste, food handling; (h) wilderness medicine, including health issues related to acclimation, exposure to the environment, and anaphylaxis; (i) CPR, standard first aid, first aid kit contents and use, and the program's medication management policy and procedure; (j) navigation skills, including map and compass use and contour and celestial navigation; (k) local environmental precautions, including terrain, weather, spiders, ticks, scorpions, snakes, insects, predatory animals, poisonous plants, giardia, frostbite, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, dehydration, responses to adverse situations, and emergency evacuation; (l) leadership and judgment; (m) report writing, including required development and maintenance of logs; and (n) federal, state, and local regulations. (3) At least 80 hours of initial staff training shall be completed, documented, and maintained in each staff personnel file. (4) The field director or equally qualified designee shall document in each personnel file how the field director or qualified designee determined that each staff has demonstrated proficiency in each of the required topic areas as listed in Subsection (2) of this section. 146 UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (5) Each initial staff training and demonstration of proficiency must be completed and documented before the staff may count in the staff client ratio. (6) Each program shall provide and document on-going staff training to improve proficiency in knowledge and skills and to maintain certifications. R501-8-8. Staff Health Requirements. (1) Before engaging in any field activity, each staff shall adhere to the following: (a) each field staff, intern, and volunteer shall have an annual physical examination and health history signed by a licensed medical professional; (b) a recognized physical stress assessment shall be completed as part of the physical examination of each staff; (c) the physical examination of each staff shall be reviewed and maintained by the provider in the staff personnel file; and (d) each program staff, intern, and volunteer shall submit to drug and alcohol screening upon request. R501-8-9. ClientAdmission Requirements. (1) Each client shall be no younger than 13 years of age and no older than 17 years of age and shall have a current health history report which includes notation of client physical limitations and prescriptive medications. (2) The health history report shall be completed, submitted, and verified by each client's parent or guardian as part of the intake screening or assessment in accordance with Sections R501-1-18 and R501-1-23 and before entry into the field. (3) An admissions assessment shall be conducted by a treatment professional before each client enters into the field and shall include the following: (a) a review of each client's social and psychological history with the client's parent or legal guardian before enrollment; and (b) an interview with the client before entrance into the field program. (4) before entry into the field and within 15 days of admission to the program, the following requirements must be met: (a) a licensed medical professional must review each client's health history report and conduct a physical examination; and (b) the program shall provide a physical examination form to a licensed medical professional that clearly states a description of the physical demands and environment of the program, and requires the following information before a client may enter the field: (i) a urinalysis drug screen; (ii) a complete blood count (CBC) unless waived in writing by the client's parent or guardian; (iii) a complete metabolic profile (CMP) unless waived in writing by the client's parent or guardian; (iv) a urinalysis for possible infections; (v) a pregnancy test; (vi) a physical stress assessment; (vii) a determination by the physician if detoxification is indicated for client before entrance into field portion of the program; (vii) any other tests as necessary to assess fitness for the field portion of the program; and (ix) a medical professional shall review current and historical medical data and approve the client to enter the field with recommendations for any medical monitoring. (5) A copy of each client's medical forms and approvals shall be maintained at the field office and another copy shall be carried by staff members in a waterproof container throughout the field expedition. (6) Each program must clinically review each client's psychological history and conduct an additional psychological assessment as clinically necessary before the client's entry into the field.. (7) Upon admission and for a period of no fewer than three days in the field, direct care field staff shall closely monitor each client for any health problems that may be a result of hiking or living outdoors. R501-8-10. Water and Nutritional Requirements. (1) At least six quarts of potable water shall be available per person per day, plus one additional quart per person for each five miles hiked.Although it is not required that the entire amount be hand carried, water shall always be accessible during hiking. (2) In temperatures above 90 degrees F., staff shall make sure each client's fluid intake is at least three quarts of water per day. (3) Each field group in the field shall always have electrolyte replacement available. (4) Intemperatures above 80 degrees F., water shall be available for coating each client's body, and other techniques shall be available for cooling as needed. (5) Potable water shall be available at each campsite. Water cache location information shall be verified with field staff before the group leaves camp each day. (6) No expedition group shall depend on aerial drops for water. Aerial water drops shall be used for emergency situations only. (7) Water from natural sources shall be made safe to drink through boiling, filtering, or disinfection in accordance with the center for disease control guidance. (8) Each outdoor youth program shall have a written menu describing food supplied to the client which shall provide at least 3,000 calories per day while in the field. There must be fresh fruit and vegetables available at least twice a week. Food shall never be withheld from a client for any reason. If no fire is available, other food of equal caloric value, which does not require cooking, shall be available. (a) The menu shall be adjusted to increase minimum dietary needs as energy expenditure, including exercise and climate conditions, dictate. (b) Food shall be from a balance of the food groups. (c) Forage items may not count toward the determination of caloric intake. UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 147 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (d) Multiple vitamin supplements shall be offered daily. R501-8-11. Health Care. (1) Each outdoor youth program shall provide first aid treatment promptly. (2) When a client has an illness or physical complaint that does not respond to or cannot be treated by standard first aid, the program shall immediately arrange for the client to be seen and treated as indicated by a licensed medical professional. (3) Each client's physical condition shall be assessed at least every 14 days by a qualified medical professional. Blood pressure, heart rate, allergies, and general physical condition shall be checked and documented.Any assessment concerns shall be documented, and the client shall be taken to the appropriate medical professional for treatment. There may be no consequences issued to a client for requesting to see a health care professional or for anything said to a health care professional. (4) Each prescription and over the counter medication shall be kept in the secure possession of designated staff and provided to clients in accordance with labels or prescription directions. (5) Staff shall be trained for medication administration in accordance with Rule R501-1 and shall communicate with the field director and document reason and plan for any lost or missing prescription medication. (6) Afoot check will be conducted at least twice daily and documented. R501-8-12. Safety. (1) Each firstaidkitsshallinclude sufficientsuppliesfortheactivity, location,andenvironmentasapproved bytheprogram'smedical professional. First aid kit supplies shall be available during each field activity. (2) Each outdoor youth program shall have a support system that meets the following criteria: (a) reliable daily two-way radio communications between groups and with support staff, with additional charged battery packs and a reliable backup system of contact in the event the radio system fails; (b) the support vehicles and field office shall be equipped with first aid equipment; (c) the support and field staff shall have access to contact information including telephone numbers, locations, contact personnel, maps, medical forms, and procedures for an emergency evacuation or field incident; and (d) daily morning and evening contacts shall be completed between field staff, support staff, and the field office and contacts shall be documented in the field office log daily. R501-8-13. Field Office. (1) Each program shall maintain a field office. (2) Communication systems between the field and the field office shall be monitored 24 hours a day when clients are in the field. (3) Support staff shall respond immediately to any emergency situation. (4) Support staff on duty shall be within one hour of any field group. (5) When staff are not present in the field office a contact telephone number shall be posted on the field office door and the field director shall designate responsible on-call staff who shall continually monitor communications and remain available and able to access all necessary equipment and files within 15 minutes. (6) Field office staff shall adhere to the following: (a) maintain current staff and client records in accordance with Rule R501-1; (b) maintain a master map of each activity area; (c) maintaincopiesofeachexpeditionaryroutewithitsscheduleanditinerarytobeimmediatelyavailabletotheofficeandemergency medical services, law enforcement or search and rescue agencies as needed; (d) maintain a log of daily communications; (e) be responsible for training and orientation, management of field personnel, related files, and records; and (f) be responsible for maintaining communications, inspecting equipment, and overseeing medical incidents. R501-8-14. Environmental Requirements. (1) Each outdoor youth program shall adhere to land use agency requirements including sanitation and low impact camping. (2) Each client shall be continuously supervised in the observance of low impact camping requirements. (3) Personal hygiene supplies shall be of biodegradable materials or packed out and properly disposed of. R501-8-15. Evaluation. (1) Following the wilderness experience, each client shall receive a debriefing to include a written summary of the client's participation and the progress the client achieved. (2) Each guardian, client, or other involved individuals shall be provided the opportunity and be encouraged to submit a written evaluation of the wilderness experience, which shall be retained by the program in the client file record. R501-8-16. Individual Experiences. (1) If an outdoor youth program conducts an individual component for clients as part of the program, the program shall have and follow written policies and procedures, which shall include the following: (a) an assessment of each client's ability to safely participate in the experience; (b) a description of the individual component to ensure that each client is not exposed to an unreasonable risk; (c) guardian permission for the youth to participate in the experience; 148 UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (d) a policy that individual experiences are not required and must be entered voluntarily by the client or only as clinically indicated; (e) a policy of providing preparatory instruction and guidance to the client before an individual experience; (f) an individual assessment of client readiness; (g) a description of the maximum duration of each individual experience; (h) a policy explaining that a solo experience may not be used as a punishment or general practice; (i) a policy that each staff shall be familiar with the area chosen to conduct individual experiences; (j) a supervision plan for each individual event with a frequent check-in to allow each client to rescind voluntary participation and go back to the group; (k) documentation of the duration of each individual event; (l) a plan for managing emergencies; and (m) documentation of how each individual program component is not used as seclusion or in violation of Section 62A-2-123. R501-8-17. Stationary Camp Sites. (1) A program offering a stationary camp that does not provide a 24-hour outdoor group living environment may require residential treatment licensure. (2) An outdoor youth program that maintains a designated building to serve a client shall be subject to fire, health, and safety standards. (a) Astationary outdoor youth program camp shall be inspected by a certified fire inspector before being occupied and on an annual basis thereafter. Acopy of the inspection shall be maintained at the outdoor youth program camp. (b) At least one 2-A-10BC type fire extinguisher shall be in a group of tents within a 75- foot travel distance. (c) Flammable liquids may not be used to start fires, be stored in structures that house clients, or be stored near ignition sources. If generators are used, they will only be refueled by staff when the generator is not running and cool to the touch. (d) A stationary outdoor youth program camp shall be inspected by the local health department before being occupied and on an annual basis thereafter. Acopy of the inspection shall be maintained at the site of the camp. (e) Food shall be stored, prepared, and served in a manner that is protected from contamination. (f) Each water supply shall be from a source that is accepted by the local health authority according to Rule R392-300, Recreation Camp Sanitation, at the time of application and for annual renewal of such licenses. (g) Sewage shall be disposed of through a public system, or in absence of a public system, in a manner approved by the local health authority, according to Rule R392-300, Recreation Camp Sanitation.] R501. Health and Human Services, Human Services Program Licensing. R501-8. OutdoorYouth Programs. R501-8-1. Authority and Purpose. (1) Sections 26B-2-124, 26B-2-124.1 and 26B-2-902 authorize this rule. (2) This rule provides basic health and safety standards for outdoor youth program licensure. (3) This rule is intended to supplement any general provision required of each human services program in Rule R501-1. R501-8-2. Definitions. Terms used in this rule are defined in Sections 26B-2-101, 26B-2-124, and 26B-2-124.1 and Rules R380-600 and R501-1. Additionally: (1) "Child in crisis" means a child who is experiencing a situation where the child's mental health or safety is at immediate risk. (a) Achild in crisis may exhibit extreme behaviors or emotions that require immediate intervention and support, including: (i) destruction of property; (ii) engaging in self-injurious behavior; (iii) experiencing severe aggression, agitation, or hostility; (iv) expressing suicidal thoughts; (v) extreme emotional changes, including intense anger, irritability, or sadness; (vi) hallucinating or experiencing delusions; or (vii) withdrawal or isolation. (b) Achild in crisis is a reportable critical incident. (2) "Direct Access Clearance System" or "DACS" means the online system used by the Office of Background Processing (OBP), under the Division of Licensing and Background Checks, for processing and monitoring background checks for any applicant with direct access to a client in a human services program. (3) "Essential equipment" means: (a) food; (b) potable water; (c) sunscreen; (d) insect repellant; (e) personal hygiene items; (f) a sleeping bag rated for the current weather conditions; (g) an additional shelter and ground pad for colder months when the nighttime temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit; and (h) basic clothing and protective gear to ensure client protection against any weather change in the environment where the program is taking place. UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 149 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (4) "Field" means any geographic area where program hiking, camping, or any related client service occurs. (5) "Field office" means the physical office for the coordination of any field operation. (6) "Program" means the same as "program or facility" is defined in Section 26B-2-701. R501-8-3. Scope. Each program shall comply with any applicable federal, state, or local law, rule, or ordinance, including: (1) Section 26B-2-123; (2) Section 26B-2-124; (3) Rule R380-80; (4) Rule R380-600; (5) Rule R500-4; (6) Rule R501-1; (7) Rule R501-14; and (8) this rule. R501-8-4. Administration. (1) Eachprogramshallcomply withSection26B-2-116tocoordinateeducationalservicesrequirementsforeachclientbycompleting the youth education coordinating form found on the Office of Licensing (OL) website. (2) Each program shall ensure each client record includes: (a) the client name, date of birth, and identified gender; (b) accurate parent or legal guardian contact information; (c) a list of any client's authorized contact as identified by the client's parent, legal guardian, or sending agency or private agency, including each authorized contact's: (i) name; (ii) phone number; and (iii) relationship to the client; (d) any signed agreement and consent form; and (e) any clinical recommendation. (3) Each program shall maintain a process for the retention of each client record for seven years or until a client turns 21 years old, whichever comes later. (4) Aprogram may not solicit or accept payment from, or on behalf of, a client in the program, unless: (a) the client meets the approved admissions criteria described in Subsection R501-8-5(4); and (b) the client's parent or legal guardian has signed a contract for the program's services. (5) Any program that serves a client who has been placed in a Utah program from outside of Utah shall comply withTitle 80, Chapter 2, Part 9, Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC). (6) The provider may not serve any client from out of state without a disruption plan, as described in Section 26B-2-124. (7) The provider may demonstrate compliance with Subsection (6) by producing the ICPC-100Aand ICPC-100B forms as required by the ICPC Regulations or a disruption plan. (8) The provider shall report any out-of-state private placement to OL by completing the congregate care out-of-state placement report, available on the OL website, no later than the fifth business day of each month. (9) In conspicuous places where each visitor, staff, and client may see, the program shall post a congregate care ombudsman notice form in compliance with each requirement in Subsection 26B-2-124(7)(a). (10) In addition to posting the congregate care ombudsman notice described in Subsection (9), the program shall ensure each client, the client's parent or legal guardian, OL, and each sending agency or private agency receives a copy of the congregate care ombudsman notice. R501-8-5. ClientAdmission Requirements. (1) Aprogram may only serve a client who is 13 through 17 years old. (2) Before admission into the program, each client shall have a current health history report which includes documentation of any physical limitation and required prescription medication for the client. (3) The health history report described in Subsection (2) shall be completed by each client's parent or legal guardian as part of the intake screening or assessment, in accordance with Sections R501-1-12 through R501-1-13. (4) Each program shall develop, maintain, and adhere to an admissions review process that: (a) is approved by OL during initial and renewal licensure; (b) aligns with the admissions criteria described in Section 26B-2-124; (c) outlines the process for identifying a qualified candidate who can be safely served in the program, including an assessment of each candidate in consideration of the: (i) candidate's behavior; (ii) candidate's diagnosis; (iii) candidate's individual situation; (iv) candidate's trauma history; (v) population and age of each client the program already serves; (vi) physical facility; 150 UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (vii) programming; and (viii) ability of current staff to manage the candidate; and (d) outlines how to identify an individual not considered a qualified candidate. (5) The provider shall ensure, upon admission, a disruption plan is tailored to each client and includes: (a) any plausible reason identified in the admissions process for possible discharge or transfer; (b) an aftercare plan for disruption, which includes any resource available to the client; (c) a plan for safe transportation, including: (i) any return to the client's state of origin; (ii) to the client's parent or legal guardian; or (iii) to a higher level of care program or setting, as needed, that: (A) provides increased clinical treatment and enhanced supervision to address any client need; and (B) excludes any receiving center, detention facility, and any immediate crisis stabilization setting, such as an emergency room or a short-term acute care hospital; (d) a signed statement fromtheclient'sparent orlegal guardian outliningtheplanfor theclientinthe event ofan unplanneddisruption in care; (e) current emergency contact information of the client's parent or legal guardian, including the parent or legal guardian's: (i) name; (ii) address; (iii) phone number; and (iv) email address; (f) each individual responsible for the client's return if there is a disruption in placement at the program; and (g) a statement acknowledging the program retains jurisdiction and responsibility for the client while the client remains in Utah or, if the client is from Utah, until the client is released to a parent or legal guardian. (6) Each program shall develop a suicide prevention plan for each client upon admission, including an initial evaluation and a component to reevaluate the client's needs and fit within the scope of services provided. (7) Before each client enters into the program, a licensed medical professional shall conduct an admissions assessment that includes: (a) a review of the client's social and psychological history with the client's parent or legal guardian before enrollment; and (b) an interview with the client before entrance into the field portion of the program. (8) Within 15 days of a client's admission into the program and before the client enters the program: (a) a licensed medical professional shall review the client's health history report and conduct and document a physical examination of the client; and (b) the client shall undergo medical and physical testing and assessment, including: (i) a complete blood count (CBC), unless waived in writing by the client's parent or legal guardian; (ii) a complete metabolic profile (CMP), unless waived in writing by the client's parent or legal guardian; (iii) a physical stress assessment; (iv) a pregnancy test for any female client; (v) a urinalysis; (vi) a urinalysis drug screen; and (vii) any other test necessary, as determined by a licensed medical professional to assess fitness of the client for the field portion of the program. (9) A licensed medical professional shall make a determination if detoxification is indicated for a client before the client enters into field portion of the program. (10) Theprogram shallmaintaindocumentationof eachclient'shealthhistoryreportandmedicaland physicaltesting andassessment. (11) A licensed medical professional shall review current and historical medical data and include any recommendation for medical monitoring in approval for the client to enter the program. (12) The program shall provide a physical examination form to a licensed medical professional that includes a description of the program activities and any environmental and physical demand of the program. (13) Acopy of any medical form and licensed medical professional recommendation and approval for each client shall be: (a) maintained at the field office; and (b) physically in possession of a program staff member in a waterproof container throughout any program field activity. (14) For each client, the program shall: (a) review and document the client's psychological history; and (b) conduct an additional psychological assessment before the client's entry into the field, as needed. (15) Upon admission to the program and for at least three days in the field, direct care field staff shall closely monitor each client for any health problem that may be a result of hiking, camping and living outdoors, or any other program field activity. R501-8-6. Background Checks. (1) A program shall submit to OBP a human services program background check for each program staff, intern, and volunteer, in accordance with Section 26B-2-120 and Rule R501-14. (2) The program shall designate an individual who is responsible for: (a) ensuring and documenting how each applicant is directly supervised for the entirety of that applicant's supervised employment term before receiving the eligible determination; UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 151 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (b) ensuring an application is submitted in DACS within 14 days of each staff becoming associated with the program; (c) initiating, monitoring, and maintaining background checks in DACS for each individual with direct access; (d) maintaining compliance with Rule R501-14; (e) managing communications with OBP and OL; (f) monitoring DACS and taking necessary action when an eligibility status changes; and (g) separating any staff in DACS within five days of that staff: (i) no longer being associated with the program; or (ii) having an ineligible determination status from OBP on a background check with no pending appeal. (3) The program shall ensure each direct care staff, contracted staff, volunteer, and intern has an eligible background check determination before permitting that individual to work unsupervised with a client, except as excluded in Rule R501-14. R501-8-7. Staff, Intern, and Volunteer Requirements. (1)(a) Each program shall have an executive director, or an equivalent position, and governing body. (b) The executive director, or equivalent position, and governing body shall: (i) be responsible for any program policy, procedure, and field activity; and (ii) coordinate and document any required staff training. (2) The program shall ensure the executive director, or equivalent: (a) is at least 25 years old; (b) has a bachelor's degree or equal training and experience in a related field; (c) has at least two years of outdoor youth program administrative experience; (d) has least 30 credit hours education in recreational therapy or related experience or one year of outdoor youth program field experience; (e) has demonstrated knowledge and understanding of each rule and regulation associated with serving clients; and (f) has completed any required staff training. (3) Each program shall have a licensed medical professional accessible to each client. (4) Each program shall have a mental health professional accessible to each client. (5) Each program shall have a direct care field director who has primary responsibility for: (a) the coordination of any field operation; (b) management of any field staff; (c) any operation of the field office; and (d) the supervision of any emergency response procedure. (6) The program shall ensure the direct care field director or a qualified designee: (a) is at least 25 years old; (b) receives training as a direct care staff in accordance with Sections R501-1-15 and R501-1-16; (c) has a bachelor's degree or equal training and experience in a related field; and (d) has at least two years of outdoor youth program field experience. (7) The direct care field director or qualified designee shall: (a) visit each program field group in the field at least two days a week with no more than five days between each visit; and (b) document each field visit, including: (i) the condition of each client; (ii) any interaction between clients and staff; (iii) any incident or intervention to be reported to each client's parent or legal guardian or OL; (iv) each report of compliance with Subsection 26B-2-123(6) regarding weekly confidential communication with family; and (v) staff compliance with each applicable policy and rule. (8) The program shall ensure each direct care senior field staff: (a) is at least 21 years old; (b) receives training as a direct care staff in accordance with Sections R501-1-15 and R501-1-16; (c) has an associate's degree or high school diploma with 30 credit hours of education and training or comparable experience and training in a related field; and (d) has six months of outdoor youth program field experience or comparable experience. (9) The program shall ensure each direct care field staff: (a) is least 20 years old; (b) has a high school diploma or equivalent; and (c) has at least 60 days of outdoor youth program field experience or comparable experience. (10) The program shall ensure each assistant field staff: (a) is at least 19 years old; (b) has a high school diploma or equivalent; and (c) has at least 24 days of outdoor youth program field experience. (11) Each program shall have field support staff to be responsible for: (a) the delivery of any supplies or mail to the field; (b) communication with each client in the field; and (c) first aid support. 152 UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (12) Each program may have one or more interns or volunteers to support program activities. (a) Any program intern shall be at least 19 years old. (b) Any program volunteer shall be at least 18 years old. (13) Each program intern or volunteer shall: (a) complete any required staff training before working in the program; (b) be directly supervised by the executive director, or equivalent, direct care field director, or direct care senior field staff; and (c) never directly supervise any client. (14) Each program shall have direct care staff as required to meet or exceed any applicable staff-to-client ratio described in Section R501-8-10. R501-8-8. Staff Training. (1)(a) Each program shall provide staff 80 total hours of initial training, which shall cover each topic in Subsection (2). (b) The program shall ensure the initial staff training is completed and documented in each staff personnel file. (c) The program direct care field director shall document in each staff personnel file how that staff has demonstrated proficiency in each topic in Subsection (2). (d) Each staff must complete the initial training before that individual is counted as staff in the staff-to-client ratio for client supervision. (2) Staff shall demonstrate proficiency to the direct care field director for each of the following training topics: (a) health and safety topics, including: (i) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); (ii) standard first aid; (iii) use of the program first aid kit; (iv) the program medication management policy and procedure; (v) any emergency procedure involving any client or staff, including: (A) medical treatment; (B) evacuation and signaling; (C) significant weather events, including any fire, flood, or natural disaster; and (D) management of any lost client; and (vi) navigation skills, including: (A) physical map and compass use; and (B) contour and celestial navigation; (b) client supervision and management, including: (i) conflict resolution; and (ii) behavior management; (c) any outdoor camping and living practice and procedure, including: (i) water, food, and shelter procurement, preparation, and conservation; (ii) any low-impact wilderness expedition practice; (iii) any environmental conservation procedure; (iv) any sanitation procedure for food and water handling and human waste and trash disposal; (v) wilderness medicine, including any health issue related to: (A) acclimation; (B) exposure to the environment; and (C) anaphylaxis; and (vi) any procedure for responding to any local environmental precaution, including: (A) terrain and weather; (B) management of any incident involving any: (I) animal, insect, or reptile, including a spider, tick, scorpion, snake, insect, and predatory animal; and (II) poisonous plants and giardia; (C) treatment of: (I) dehydration; (II) frostbite; (III) heat exhaustion; and (IV) hypothermia; and (D) any response to an adverse situation, or emergency evacuation; (d) report writing, including required development and maintenance of logs; and (e) any applicable federal, state, and local rule or regulation. (3) Each program administration shall provide and document on-going staff training to improve proficiency in knowledge and skills and to maintain any staff certifications. R501-8-9. Field Office Requirements. (1) Each program shall maintain a field office with staff, including on-duty field support staff. UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 153 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (2) The communication system between each program field group and the field office shall be monitored 24 hours a day when any client and staff member is in the field. (3) On-duty field support staff shall respond immediately to any emergency situation. (4) On-duty field support staff shall be within a distance of no more than one hour's travel to any program field group. (5) When staff are not present in the field office: (a) a contact telephone number shall be posted on the field office door; and (b) the field director shall designate responsible on-call staff who shall: (i) continually monitor communications; and (ii) remain available and able to access any necessary equipment or files within 15 minutes of notification. (6) Field office staff shall maintain and be responsible for: (a) communication with any program field group, including a daily log of any such communication; (b) inspecting any equipment or supply used by the program in the field; (c) any medical incident involving any client, staff, intern, or volunteer; (d) any staff or client record in accordance with Rule R501-1; (e) a master map of each program field activity area; and (f) a copy of each program field activity route with the schedule and itinerary to be immediately available upon request by OL, emergency medical services, law enforcement, or a search and rescue agency. R501-8-10. Program Requirements. (1) Each program that operates in Utah and another state shall meet the requirements for licensure as established by each state. (2) The program direct care field director, executive director or equivalent, and governing body for each program field group shall develop and approve a written plan which shall prevent any client or staff from any unreasonable risk. (3) Each program shall: (a) provide OL with the training plan governing any consequence for client and staff misconduct; and (b) OL shall review and approve the plan before implementation. (4)(a) Each program shall ensure that each client has clothing, bedding, and equipment to protect the client from the environment. (b) This clothing, bedding, and equipment may never be removed, denied, or made unavailable to the client. (5)(a) Aprogram group shall stop any program field activity if a client: (i) refuses to continue; (ii) cannot continue due to a physical or mental health issue; or (iii) cannot carry required program equipment or supplies. (b) Each program shall document and resolve any reason for the client's refusal or inability to continue before the program field activity continues. (6) Each program shall ensure that deprivation of essential equipment or supplies is not used as a consequence. (7)(a) Each program shall conduct an individual assessment of each client's recommended backpack weight. (b) Each backpack weight guideline, including any required equipment and supplies, may not exceed 15% of the client's body weight. (8) Each program shall provide clients with: (a) clean clothing and bedding at least weekly; (b) clean clothing or bedding when soiled; (c) dry clothing or bedding when wet; and (d) a means for each client to bathe or otherwise clean the client's body at least twice weekly. (9)(a) The program shall ensure any hiking program field activity does not exceed the physical capability of the weakest member of the program field group. (b) A hiking program field activity for a client may only be permitted when the temperature is between 33 degrees Fahrenheit and 81 degrees Fahrenheit, except as described in Subsection (9)(c). (c) Hiking may be permitted when the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below if the program field group is moving to an area that provides increased safety and protection from a major storm or cold front to the group. (10) Afield staff in each program field group shall: (a) physically possess a means to accurately measure and display the current temperature; (b) measure the current temperature at least 15 minutes before the start of any hiking program field activity; and (c) measure the current temperature at least two times a day with a minimum of three hours between each check for daily log and report documentation. (11)(a) Each program field activity plan shall include each map route, anticipated schedule, and departure and return time. (b) Acopy of the program field activity plan shall be: (i) recorded in the field office log; and (ii) maintained by a field staff in the field. (12)(a) A field staff in each program field group shall maintain a signed daily log after each program field activity ends, containing each: (i) critical incident; (ii) prescription medication compliance; (iii) medical concern; (iv) behavioral concern or refusal to hike and how that concern or refusal is addressed; and 154 UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (v) unusual occurrence. (b) Each log entry shall be available to OL for review upon request. (13) Each program staff shall be required to have a time piece in the staff's physical possession that accurately reflects the time of day for daily log and report documentation. (14) Program administration shall train each staff regarding any program requirement standard. (15) Each program shall maintain a phone number to be used as described in Subsections 26B-2-124(4)(g) through 26B-2-124(4)(h). (16) If a client is a child in crisis, the program shall: (a) notify the client's parent or legal guardian as soon as reasonably possible but no later than five hours after the time at which the client's state of crisis first begins; and (b) make every reasonable effort to connect a client by telephone to an authorized contact who: (i) attempts to contact the client by calling the program's telephone number, as described in Subsection (15); and (ii) is an authorized contact under Subsection R501-8-4(2)(c). (17) Each program shall make every reasonable effort to connect any authorized contact who calls the program in an attempt to contact a client with that client by phone. R501-8-11. Client Supervision. (1) Each program field group shall ensure: (a) at least two direct care staff, one of whom shall be a direct care senior field staff, shall supervise each group; (b) two direct care staff shall always be on-duty; and (c) the group maintains a staff-to-client ratio of at least one staff to every four clients, except: (i) as otherwise required by a Department of Health and Human Services contract; or (ii) a group may reduce the staff-to-client ratio to at least one staff to every 16 clients during client sleeping hours if such a reduction in client supervision meets the needs of the client population. (2)(a) Each program field group may not exceed 16 total people with a staff-to-client ratio of at least one staff to every four clients. (b) Direct care staff shall count toward the total program field group size. (c) Program field group size may not exceed the staff-to-client ratio specified by any federal, state, or local agency with jurisdiction where the program is in operation. (3) Each intern or volunteer shall be counted as a client for a staff-to-client ratio. (4) Direct care staff shall conduct and document line-of-sight check-ins at least every 15 minutes when a client is outside the staff's line of sight and during sleeping hours. R501-8-12. Staff, Intern, and Volunteer Health Requirements. (1) Before beginning any program field activity, each staff, intern, or volunteer shall have a licensed medical professional complete and sign: (a) an annual physical examination, which includes a physical stress assessment; and (b) a health history form. (2) The physical examination of each staff, intern, or volunteer shall be reviewed by the program administration and maintained by the program in the personnel file. R501-8-13. Water and Nutritional Requirements. (1) The program shall ensure each client, staff, intern, and volunteer participating in any program field activity has access to: (a) at least six quarts of potable water each day; and (b) one additional quart of potable water for each five miles hiked. (2) Program staff shall ensure water is always immediately accessible for any client, staff, intern, and volunteer while hiking. (3) Each program field group in the field shall have daily access to an electrolyte replacement. (4) Any time the temperature reaches at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit, staff shall ensure each client's fluid intake is at least three quarts of water per day. (5) If the temperature reaches at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit, program staff shall ensure water is available for each client to use for cooling. (6) Each campsite shall have potable water available. (7) Staff at the field office shall verify water cache location information with field staff before the program field group leaves camp each day. (8)(a) Aprogram field group may not depend on an aerial drop for water. (b) An aerial water drop may only be used in an emergency situation. (9) When using water from a natural source, a staff, intern, or volunteer shall boil, filter, or disinfect the water to make the water safe to drink, in accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. (10) Each program shall have a written menu describing food supplied to each client during a program field activity. (a) Food supplied to each client shall provide at least 3,000 calories per day while in the field. (b) Astaff, intern, or volunteer may not withhold food, including any available spice, or water from a client for any reason. (c) If no fire is available for cooking, food that does not require cooking shall be available for each client. (d) The menu shall be adjusted to increase minimum dietary needs based on energy expenditure, including exercise and climate conditions. UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 155 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (e) Food shall be a balance of the food groups and include fresh fruits and vegetables at least twice a week. (f) Any foraged item may not be counted toward the total minimum daily caloric intake. (g) Amultivitamin supplement may be offered daily. R501-8-14. Health Care Requirements. (1) Each program shall provide first aid treatment as needed. (2) When a client has any illness or physical complaint that does not respond to or cannot be treated by first aid, the program shall immediately arrange for a licensed medical professional to see and treat the client. (3) Each client's physical condition shall be assessed at least every 14 days by a licensed medical professional. (a) Staff shall check and document each client's blood pressure, heart rate, general physical condition, and any allergies. (b) Staff shall document any physical health assessment concern and arrange for a licensed medical professional to treat the client. (c) There may not be any retaliatory or punitive repercussion for: (i) a client requesting to see a licensed medical professional; or (ii) information discussed between a client and licensed medical professional. (4) Staff shall conduct and document a foot check at least twice daily. (5) Each client's prescription or over-the-counter medication shall be: (a) kept in the secure possession of designated staff; and (b) provided by staff to the intended client in accordance with the medication's directions. (6) Each staff shall: (a) receive training for medication administration in accordance with Section R501-1-15; and (b) if a client's prescription medication is lost or missing: (i) communicate with the field director about the lost or missing medication; (ii) document the reason for any loss or circumstances relevant to any missing medication; and (iii) develop a plan in the case of any lost or missing client prescription medication. R501-8-15. Safety Requirements. (1) Each first aid kit for the program shall: (a) include sufficient supplies for the program field activity, location, and environment; (b) be approved by the program's licensed medical professional before the program field activity; and (c) be available during each program field activity. (2) Any support vehicle used by a program or field office shall be equipped with first aid equipment. (3) Each program shall have a communication support system, including: (a) a reliable two-way radio system, Global Positioning System (GPS) handheld device, satellite messenger, satellite phone, or cellphone for daily communication between each program field group and support staff; (b) an additional charged battery pack for the system described in Subsection (3)(a); and (c) a reliable backup system for communication in the event the system described in Subsection (3)(a) fails. (4) Each support and field staff shall have access to program and client contact information, including each: (a) client's parent or legal guardian's telephone number; (b) location; (c) contact personnel; (d) map; (e) medical form; and (f) procedure for an emergency evacuation or field incident. (5)(a) Field staff, support staff, and the field office shall communicate each morning and evening. (b) The field office shall document each communication in the field office log daily. R501-8-16. Environmental Requirements. (1) Each program shall adhere to any applicable land use agency requirement, including for sanitation and low-impact camping. (2) Each client shall be continuously supervised while completing any low-impact camping requirement. (3) Any personal hygiene supplies used in the program shall be: (a) composed of biodegradable materials; (b) packed out; or (c) disposed of properly. R501-8-17. Program Evaluation. (1) After a program field activity, program administration shall: (a) debrief each client about the program field activity; and (b) document the client's participation in each program field activity and progress toward any individual goal in a written summary; and (c) have these client records available for review upon request from the client and client's parent or legal guardian. (2)(a) The program shall provide each client and parent or legal guardian of the client with the opportunity to submit a written evaluation of the program field activity. 156 UTAH STATE BULLETIN, October 01, 2026, Vol. 2026, No. 19 NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULES (b) The program shall retain any submitted evaluation in the client file record. R501-8-18. Additional Requirements for Individual Components. If a program conducts any individual component for a client as part of the program, the program shall develop, implement, and comply with written policies and procedures, including: (1) parent or legal guardian permission for the client to participate in the individual component; (2) a description of the individual component to prevent any client from being exposed to unreasonable risk; (3) a plan for managing any emergency; (4) a policy explaining that an individual component may not be used as a punishment or general practice; (5) a policy of providing preparatory instruction and guidance to the client before any individual component; (6) a policy that any individual component is not a program requirement and each client must voluntarily enter the component to participate; (7) a policy that each staff shall be familiar with the area used for the individual component; (8) a supervision plan for each individual component with a frequent check-in between staff and the client to allow each client to rescind voluntary participation and return to the program field group; (9) an assessment of the client's ability to safely participate in the individual component; (10) an individual assessment of client readiness; (11) documentation of how each individual component is not used as seclusion or in violation of Subsection 26B-2-123(2); and (12) documentation of the duration of each individual component. R501-8-19. Additional Requirements for Stationary Program Camp Sites. (1) A program that maintains a designated building to serve any client shall be subject to each applicable fire, health, and safety standard. (a) Acertified fire inspector shall inspect any stationary camp before use and otherwise as required by the local fire authority. (b) At least one 2-A:10-B:C fire extinguisher shall be in at least one tent for each group of tents within 75 feet of each other. (c) Any flammable liquid may not: (i) be used to start a fire; (ii) be stored in any structure that houses a client; or (iii) be stored near any ignition source. (d) If a generator is used at any stationary camp site, staff shall refuel the generator only when the generator is not running and cool to the touch. (e) The local health department shall inspect any stationary program camp before use and otherwise as required by the local health department. (f) Food shall be stored, prepared, and served in a manner that protects the food from contamination. (g) Each water supply shall be from a source that is accepted by the local health authority in accordance with Rule R392-300. (h) Sewage shall be disposed of through a public system, or in absence of a public system, in a manner approved by the local health authority and in accordance with Rule R392-300. (2) The program shall maintain a copy of each inspection for a stationary program camp site at the applicable stationary camp site. R501-8-20. Compliance. Any person who violates this rule may be subject to the penalties in Rule R380-600 and Title 26B, Chapter 2, Part 7, Penalties and Investigations. KEY: licensing, human services, youth Date of Last Change: [March 7, 2022]2026 Notice of Continuation: October 3, 2022 Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: [62A-2-101 et seq.]26B-2-124; 26B-2-124.1; 26B-2-902 NOTICE OF SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE TYPE OF FILING: Amendment Filing ID: 58227