Table of Contents Sec. 19a-420. (Formerly Sec. 19-539). Definitions. As used in this chapter: Sec. 19a-421. (Formerly Sec. 19-540). License required. Qualifications. Duration of validity. Fees. No person shall establish, conduct or maintain a youth camp
without a license issued by the Department of Public Health. Applications for such
license shall be made in writing at least thirty days prior to the opening of the youth
camp on forms provided and in accordance with procedures established by the Commissioner of Public Health and shall be accompanied by a fee of six hundred fifty dollars
or, if the applicant is a nonprofit, nonstock corporation or association, two hundred fifty
dollars or, if the applicant is a day camp affiliated with a nonprofit organization, for no
more than five days duration and for which labor and materials are donated, no fee. All
such licenses shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance unless
surrendered for cancellation or suspended or revoked by the commissioner for violation
of this chapter or any regulations promulgated hereunder and shall be renewable upon
payment of a six-hundred-fifty-dollar license fee or, if the licensee is a nonprofit, nonstock corporation or association, a two-hundred-fifty-dollar license fee or, if the applicant is a day camp affiliated with a nonprofit organization, for no more than five days
duration and for which labor and materials are donated, no fee. Sec. 19a-422. (Formerly Sec. 19-541). Requirements for licensing of camps.
License to be displayed. To be eligible for the issuance or renewal of a youth camp
license pursuant to this chapter, the camp shall satisfy the following requirements: (a)
The location of the camp shall be such as to provide adequate surface drainage and
afford facilities for obtaining a good water supply; (b) each dwelling unit, building and
structure shall be maintained in good condition, suitable for the use to which it is put,
and shall present no health or fire hazard as so certified, within ninety days of such
application, by the Department of Public Health or State Fire Marshal, as the case may
be; (c) there shall be an adequate and competent staff, which includes the camp director,
activities specialists, counselors and maintenance personnel, of good character and reputation; (d) all hazardous activities, including but not limited to archery, aquatics, horseback riding and firearms instruction, shall be supervised by a qualified activities specialist who has adequate experience and training in his specialty; (e) the staff of a resident
and nonresident camp shall at all times include an adult trained in the administration of
first aid as required by the commissioner; (f) records of personal data for each camper
shall be kept in any reasonable form the camp director may choose, including therein
the camper's name, age and address; the name, address and telephone number of the
parents or guardian; the dates of admission and discharge; and other such information
as the commissioner shall require. Any youth camp licensed under this chapter shall
operate only as the type of camp authorized by such license. Such camps shall not
advertise any service they are not equipped or licensed to offer. The license shall be
posted in a conspicuous place at camp headquarters and failure to so post the license
shall result in the presumption that the camp is being operated in violation of this chapter. Sec. 19a-423. (Formerly Sec. 19-542). Denial of license. Suspension, revocation or refusal to renew. (a) Upon the denial of an application of an original license,
the commissioner shall notify the applicant in writing of such denial, by mailing a notice
to him at the address shown on his application. Any applicant aggrieved by such denial
may appeal therefrom in accordance with the provisions of section 19a-424. Sec. 19a-424. (Formerly Sec. 19-543). Appeal. Any applicant or licensee aggrieved by the action of the Commissioner of Public Health in denying, suspending
or revoking any license under the provisions of this chapter may appeal therefrom in
accordance with the provisions of section 4-183. Sec. 19a-425. (Formerly Sec. 19-544). Penalty. Equitable relief. Any person
who establishes, conducts or maintains a youth camp without a license as required by
this chapter for a first offense shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than five
hundred dollars, and for a second or subsequent offense shall be subject to a civil penalty
of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars, and each day during which a youth camp
is conducted or maintained without a license, after notification to such person by the
commissioner, shall constitute a separate offense. The Commissioner of Public Health
may apply to the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford, or for the judicial
district where the defendant named in such application resides, for an injunction to
restrain the operation or maintenance of a youth camp by any person other than a licensed
operator. The application for such injunction or the issuance of the same shall be in
addition to and shall not relieve any such person from the imposition of a civil penalty
under this section. In connection with any such application for an injunction, it shall
not be necessary to prove that an adequate remedy at law does not exist. Sec. 19a-426. (Formerly Sec. 19-545). Inspection of facilities. The Department
of Public Health shall inspect or cause to be inspected the facilities to be operated by
an applicant for an original license before the license shall be granted, and shall annually
thereafter inspect or cause to be inspected the facilities of all licensees. Sec. 19a-427. (Formerly Sec. 19-546). Authorization to accept financial assistance. The Commissioner of Public Health is authorized to accept, on behalf of the state,
any grants of federal or private funds made available for any purposes consistent with
the provisions of this chapter. The commissioner, with the approval of the Secretary of
the Office of Policy and Management, may direct the disposition of any such grants so
accepted in conformity with the terms and conditions under which given. Sec. 19a-428. (Formerly Sec. 19-547). Regulations re safe operation, physical
examinations and glucose monitoring for diabetes. (a) The Commissioner of Public
Health shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, relating
to the safe operation of youth camps, including, but not limited to, personnel qualifications for director and staff; ratio of staff to campers; sanitation and public health; personal
health, first aid and medical services; food handling, mass feeding and cleanliness; water
supply and waste disposal; water safety, including use of lakes and rivers, swimming
and boating equipment and practices, vehicle condition and operation; building and site
design; equipment; and condition and density of use, as the commissioner may deem
necessary or desirable. Such regulations shall be construed to be minimum standards
subject to the imposition and enforcement of higher standards by any town, city or
borough.
Sec. 19a-420. (Formerly Sec. 19-539). Definitions.
Sec. 19a-421. (Formerly Sec. 19-540). License required. Qualifications. Duration of validity. Fees.
Sec. 19a-422. (Formerly Sec. 19-541). Requirements for licensing of camps. License to be
displayed.
Sec. 19a-423. (Formerly Sec. 19-542). Denial of license. Suspension, revocation or refusal to renew.
Sec. 19a-424. (Formerly Sec. 19-543). Appeal.
Sec. 19a-425. (Formerly Sec. 19-544). Penalty. Equitable relief.
Sec. 19a-426. (Formerly Sec. 19-545). Inspection of facilities.
Sec. 19a-427. (Formerly Sec. 19-546). Authorization to accept financial assistance.
Sec. 19a-428. (Formerly Sec. 19-547). Regulations re safe operation, physical examinations and glucose monitoring for diabetes.
Secs. 19a-429 to 19a-434.
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(a) "Youth camp" means any regularly scheduled program or organized group activity advertised as a camp or operated by a person, partnership, corporation, association,
the state or a municipal agency for recreational or educational purposes and accommodating for profit or under philanthropic or charitable auspices five or more children,
under eighteen years of age, who are (1) not bona fide personal guests in the private
home of an individual and (2) living apart from their relatives, parents or legal guardian,
for a period of three days or more per week or portions of three or more days per week,
provided any such relative, parent or guardian who is an employee of such camp shall
not be considered to be in the position of loco parentis to his child for the purposes of
this chapter, but does not include schools which operate a summer educational program
or licensed day care centers;
(b) "Resident camp" means any youth camp which is established, conducted or
maintained on any parcel or parcels of land on which there are located dwelling units
or buildings intended to accommodate five or more children for at least seventy-two
consecutive hours and in which the campers attending such camps eat and sleep;
(c) "Day camp" means any youth camp which is established, conducted or maintained on any parcel or parcels of land on which there are located dwelling units or
buildings intended to accommodate five or more children during daylight hours for at
least three days a week with the campers eating and sleeping at home, except for one
meal per day, but does not include programs operated by a municipal agency;
(d) "Person" means any individual, partnership, association, organization, limited
liability company or corporation;
(e) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Public Health;
(f) "Department" means the Department of Public Health.
(1969, P.A. 820, S. 1; P.A. 77-614, S. 323, 610; P.A. 79-145, S. 1; P.A. 91-329; P.A. 92-195, S. 2, 3; P.A. 93-381, S.
9, 39; P.A. 95-79, S. 61, 189; 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58.)
History: P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner and department of health with commissioner and department of health
services, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 79-145 redefined "youth camp", "resident camp" and "day camp"; Sec. 19-539
transferred to Sec. 19a-420 in 1983; P.A. 91-329 clarified that camps owned by the state or a municipal agency are included
in definition of "youth camps"; P.A. 92-195 redefined "day camp" to exclude municipal programs; P.A. 93-381 replaced
department and commissioner of health services with department and commissioner of public health and addiction services,
effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-79 redefined "person" to include a limited liability company, effective May 31, 1995;
P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and
Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995.
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(1969, P.A. 820, S. 2; P.A. 77-614, S. 323, 610; May sp. Sess. P.A. 92-6, S. 13, 117; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-
257, S. 12, 21, 58; 95-317, S. 4.)
History: P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner and department of health with commissioner and department of health
services, effective January 1, 1979; Sec. 19-540 transferred to Sec. 19a-421 in 1983; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-6 increased
license and renewal fees from one hundred to six hundred fifty dollars except if applicant is a nonprofit, nonstock corporation
or association then from twenty-five to two hundred fifty dollars; P.A. 93-381 replaced department and commissioner of
health services with department and commissioner of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A.
95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 95-317 added the fee exemption for five-day duration day camps with
donated labor and materials.
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(1969, P.A. 820, S. 3; P.A. 77-614, S. 323, 610; P.A. 79-145, S. 2; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58.)
History: P.A. 77-614 replaced department of health with department of health services, effective January 1, 1979; P.A.
79-145 required that camps operate only as authorized by license and that they not advertise services they are not equipped
or licensed to offer; Sec. 19-541 transferred to Sec. 19a-422 in 1983; P.A. 93-381 replaced department of health services
with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and
Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July
1, 1995.
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(b) The commissioner may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew the license of any
youth camp regulated and licensed under this chapter if the licensee: (1) Is convicted
of any offense involving moral turpitude, the record of conviction being conclusive
evidence thereof; (2) is legally adjudicated insane or mentally incompetent, the record
of such adjudication being conclusive evidence thereof; (3) uses any narcotic or any
controlled drug, as defined in section 21a-240 to an extent or in a manner that such
use impairs his ability to properly care for children; (4) consistently fails to maintain
standards prescribed and published by the Department of Public Health; (5) furnishes
or makes any misleading or any false statement or report to the department; (6) refuses
to submit to the department any reports or refuses to make available to the department
any records required by it in investigating the facility for licensing purposes; (7) fails
or refuses to submit to an investigation or inspection by the department or to admit
authorized representatives of the department at any reasonable time for the purpose of
investigation, inspection or licensing; (8) fails to provide, maintain, equip and keep in
safe and sanitary condition premises established for or used by the campers pursuant to
minimum standards prescribed by the Department of Public Health or by ordinances or
regulations applicable to the location of such facility; (9) wilfully or deliberately violates
any of the provisions of this chapter.
(1969, P.A. 820, S. 4; P.A. 77-614, S. 323, 610; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58.)
History: P.A. 77-614 replaced department of health with department of health services, effective January 1, 1979; Sec.
19-542 transferred to Sec. 19a-423 in 1983; P.A. 93-381 replaced department of health services with department of public
health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health
and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995.
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(1969, P.A. 820, S. 5; 1971, P.A. 179, S. 9; P.A. 76-436, S. 396, 681; P.A. 77-603, S. 57, 125; 77-614, S. 323, 610;
P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58.)
History: 1971 act required bringing of appeal "not less than twelve or more than thirty days after service thereof" rather
than on "next return day" or "next but one"; P.A. 76-436 replaced court of common pleas with superior court and included
judicial districts, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 77-603 replaced previous detailed appeal provisions with statement that
appeals to be made in accordance with Sec. 4-183; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of health with commissioner of health
services, effective January 1, 1979; Sec. 19-543 transferred to Sec. 19a-424 in 1983; P.A. 93-381 replaced commissioner of
health services with commissioner of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced
Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public
Health, effective July 1, 1995.
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(1969, P.A. 820, S. 6; P.A. 74-338, S. 14, 94; P.A. 76-436, S. 397, 681; P.A. 77-614, S. 323, 610; P.A. 78-280, S. 1,
5, 127; P.A. 88-230, S. 1, 12; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-142, S. 4, 7, 8; 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-220, S. 4−6; 95-257,
S. 12, 21, 58; P.A. 99-125, S. 4.)
History: P.A. 74-338 made technical correction, inserting the word "shall"; P.A. 76-436 replaced court of common
pleas with superior court and included judicial districts, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of
health with commissioner of health services, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 78-280 deleted reference to counties and
replaced Hartford county with judicial district of Hartford-New Britain; Sec. 19-544 transferred to Sec. 19a-425 in 1983;
P.A. 88-230 replaced "judicial district of Hartford-New Britain" with "judicial district of Hartford", effective September
1, 1991; P.A. 90-98 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1991, to September 1, 1993; P.A. 93-
142 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1993, to September 1, 1996, effective June 14, 1993;
P.A. 93-381 replaced commissioner of health services with commissioner of public health and addiction services, effective
July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-220 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1996, to September 1, 1998,
effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with
Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 99-125 changed penalty from a fine to a civil
penalty, deleted reference to criminal prosecution and made technical changes.
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(1969, P.A. 820, S. 7; P.A. 77-614, S. 323, 610; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58.)
History: P.A. 77-614 replaced department of health with department of health services, effective January 1, 1979; Sec.
19-545 transferred to Sec. 19a-426 in 1983; P.A. 93-381 replaced department of health services with department of public
health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health
and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995.
(Return to TOC) (Return to Chapters) (Return to Titles)
(1969, P.A. 820, S. 8; P.A. 77-614, S. 19, 323, 610; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58.)
History: P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of finance and control with secretary of the office of policy and management
and, effective January 1, 1979, replaced commissioner of health with commissioner of health services; Sec. 19-546 transferred to Sec. 19a-427 in 1983; P.A. 93-381 replaced commissioner of health services with commissioner of public health
and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and
Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995.
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(b) The Commissioner of Public Health shall adopt regulations, in accordance with
the provisions of chapter 54, allowing physical examinations or health status certifications required by youth camps prior to the date of arrival at youth camps to be made by
a physician, an advanced practice registered nurse or registered nurse licensed pursuant
to chapter 378 or a physician assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 370.
(c) The Commissioner of Public Health shall adopt regulations, in accordance with
the provisions of chapter 54, that specify conditions under which youth camp directors
and staff may administer tests to monitor glucose levels in a child with diagnosed diabetes mellitus, and administer medicinal preparations, including controlled drugs specified
in the regulations adopted by the commissioner, to a child enrolled in a youth camp at
such camp. The regulations shall require authorization pursuant to: (1) The written
order of a physician licensed to practice medicine or a dentist licensed to practice dental
medicine in this or another state, an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under
chapter 378, a physician assistant licensed under chapter 370, a podiatrist licensed under
chapter 375 or an optometrist licensed under chapter 380; and (2) the written authorization of a parent or guardian of such child.
(1969, P.A. 820, S. 9; P.A. 77-614, S. 323, 610; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-45; 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58; P.A. 99-125,
S. 5.)
History: P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of health with commissioner of health services, effective January 1, 1979;
Sec. 19-547 transferred to Sec. 19a-428 in 1983; P.A. 93-381 replaced commissioner of health services with commissioner
of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-45 added Subsec. (b) requiring regulations allowing
examinations and certificates by physicians, nurses and physician assistants; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and
Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July
1, 1995; P.A. 99-125 added new Subsec. (c) re glucose monitoring for diabetes and made technical changes.
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