Administration of Medication to Students

Students may be required to take prescription and/or over-the-counter medication during the school day. Medication shall be administered by the school nurse, or in the nurse's absence, by a person who has successfully completed an administration of medication course reviewed by the Board of Pharmacy Examiners. The course is conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist. A record of course completion will be maintained by the school district. All medication must be kept in a secured area of the nurse's office. The exception is for students who have demonstrated competence in administering their medication for asthma or other airway constricting illnesses. These students may possess and self-administer the required medication provided an annual self-administration of medication form is completed and on file in the health office.

Prescription medication will not be administered without the completed Medication Permission Form from the health care provider that includes parental signature. All prescription medication must be in the original container which is labeled by the pharmacy or the manufacturer, with the name of the child, name of the medication, the time of day when it is to be given, the dosage and the duration. When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan will be developed by the licensed health personnel, the student, and the student's parents. A written record of the administration of medication procedure must be kept for each child receiving medication including; the date, student's name, prescriber or person authorizing the administration, the medication and its dosage, the name, signature and title of the person administering the medication, the time and method of administration, and any unusual circumstances, actions or omissions. Administration of medication records shall be kept confidential.

A limited selection of over-the-counter medications will be available and administered as needed for students in PreK-12 grades based on student self-assessment. Students who request over-the-counter medication must have written approval from their parent or guardian on file with the school nurse before the student can receive the non-prescribed medication. Annual written parent/guardian approval is required. Parent/guardian contact will be made by the person administering the medication prior to administration, to confirm dosage for students in PreK-6 grades. An administration log of over-the-counter medication will be maintained at each school. Emergency protocol for medication-related reactions will be in place.