Medications During School Hours

  • Objective
    To administer medication ordered by a physician that is necessary to allow the student to maintain sufficient health to attend school.

    Procedure
    A “Physician’s authorization for Medication During School Hours/Activities” form must be completed by the physician and signed by the parent/guardian before medication can be given in school. In the absence of this form, there must be a written order from the physician and a note from the parent/guardian requesting administration of the medication. The school nurse may accept a verbal order from the student’s physician only in an emergency situation.

    “Physician’s Authorization for Medication Administration During School Hours/Activities” should include:
    • Name of student
    • Date
    • Diagnosis
    • Medication, dosage, time schedule and duration
    • Special conditions to observe
    • Physician’s signature, address, and phone number (fax number, if possible
    • Parent’s/Guardian’s signature

    Medication must be in an original, labeled container (by the physician or pharmacy)

    The supply of medication brought to school must be documented

    Parents/Guardians are requested to bring all medication to school

    Medications are kept in a designated, locked area in the nurse’s office or, when necessary in the refrigerator.

    Unused medications may be picked up by the parent or guardian no later than the last day of the school year; medications which are not picked up will be destroyed fourteen (14) days after the close of the school year.

    The school nurse has primary responsibility for the administration of medication including:

    a) Reporting to physician and/or parent(s)/guardian(s).
    b) Conferring with physician and/or parent(s)/guardian(s).
    c) Informing, when appropriate, school staff regarding a student’s medication requirements.
    d) Administering and recording of medication data.

    Written documentation of the administration of medication will be kept. These records will include the student’s name, the name of the medication the dosage, the time and date of dispensation, and the signature of the person administering the medication.

    The nurse may refuse to administer any type of medication. The parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified of this action.

    In the absence of the school nurse, the principal is responsible for the administration of medication.

    If it is necessary to administer emergency medication, the school nurse can administer only those medications for which the chief school physician or individual student’s physician has authorized standing or emergency orders.

    Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are responsible for informing the school nurse of any changes in the health and/or medication of the student. When changes occur, the parent(s)/guardian(s) must return a new medication order form to the nurse. Medication, including over-the-counter medications, will be administered only upon written order from the physician.

    All medications must be kept in the nurse’s office. Student are not allowed to carry medications with the unless a physician’s order states that they must do so and all appropriate paperwork has been completed and necessary approvals have been gained. Violations may be considered for appropriate disciplinary consequences.

    Student is possession of over-the-counter, prescription or other types of drugs which have not been registered with the school nurse will be considered to be in violation of the school district’s drug and alcohol policy and will be subject to the disciplinary action as set forth therein*.

    The school district will incur NO liability for the use of unauthorized drugs or medications.

    This policy is in effect for all school district sponsored activities and field trips.

    *Reference- School board Policy #210