10- 144 C.M.R. ch. 33, § 12

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 144-33-12 - HEALTH AND MEDICAL

A.Immunization. Immunization records must be maintained to ensure proper medical treatment is determined and given in the event of a disease outbreak or public health emergency.

1. The licensee must have a current record of immunization on file for each child who is not attending public or private school, which clearly documents each child's present immunization status based on the Department's Day Care Immunization Standards (available at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/immunization/family/and published in September 2011), within 30 days of the child's first admission to the child care.

2. The record must include the dates of immunization (month/day/year) and vaccine type, or documentation of immunity.

3. In the event of a disease outbreak, a child not immunized for religious, philosophical or medical reasons must be excluded from the child care until the outbreak no longer exists or until the child receives the necessary immunization.

4. The licensee must maintain a list of children and providers exempt from immunizations, due to religious, philosophical or medical reasons.

B.Accidents and sudden illness. The provider must immediately notify the child's parent of any serious illness, injury, or accident involving the child. If the parent is not available at the time of emergency, the provider must notify an adult designated by the parent. For any serious illness or injury, the provider must seek appropriate medical attention.

C.Medication administration. A provider may give a child prescription medication only when the provider has a written, signed and dated order from either a parent or a physician.

1. The provider must only give medication prescribed for the specified child, according to the label instructions on the original container.

2. The provider must not give any nonprescription medications to a child without written permission from the parent. Verbal (including text or email messages) permission is allowed in emergencies if the provider documents giving the medication and obtains written permission from the parent as soon as possible.

3. The provider must keep a written record, noting each time a prescription and nonprescription medication is given to a child.

D.First aid kit and manual. The licensee must have a first aid kit and a current first aid manual. The type of supplies that must be included in a complete first aid kit include, but are not limited to, adhesive tape, band aids, gauze pads, gauze roller bandage, disposable non-latexgloves, instant cold pack, scissors, tweezers, thermometer, CPR mouth guard, and antiseptic wipes.

E.Trained provider present. A provider who is currently certified in basic adult, child, and infantfirst aid and CPR must be present at all times while child care is being provided.

F.Exclusion of children due to illness. When a child becomes ill, but does not require immediate medical help, the provider shall determine if the child should be sent home. The provider shall notify the parent/guardian of the child who has symptoms that require exclusion.

G.Prevention of exposure to blood and body fluids. The provider must take measures to prevent potential exposure to blood and other potentially infectious fluids, which may include use of disposable gloves. When touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin, providers shall:

1. Wash their hands after contact, even if gloves are worn;

2. Ensure safe waste management by immediately discarding contaminated single use items; and

3. Immediately clean and disinfect surfaces and reusable equipment.

H.Allergies. Documentation regarding children's food allergies/food intolerance, as verified by a physician, must be readily accessible and reviewed by all providers responsible for food preparation and distribution.

I.Handwashing. Handwashing must be done with soap and running water. The provider shall ensure that all adults and all children wash their hands in at least the following circumstances:

1. Immediately before and after eating snacks and meals, including washing the hands of all infants and toddlers before all feedings;

2. After each diaper change; and

3. Before and after handling food.

10- 144 C.M.R. ch. 33, § 12