Persons administering medication shall include the licensed registered nurse (school nurse), physician, persons who have successfully completed a medication administration course, or be an authorized practioner, including parents, or in the nurse’s absence, by the nurse’s designee. A qualified designee is a person who has been trained under the State Department of Health guidelines. A medication administration course and periodic update shall be conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist, and a record of course completion kept on file at the school. Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medication may self-administer their medication.
Some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program. These students shall receive medication concomitant with their educational program. When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by the licensed health personnel with the student and the student's parent.
Students may be required to take medication during the school day. Medication is 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.
Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication as long as all other relevant portions of this policy have been complied with by the student and the student’s parent or guardian. A written statement by the student's parent/guardian shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated.
Medication will not be administered without written authorization that is signed and dated from the parent, and the 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 the day which it is to be given, the dosage, and the duration. Written authorization will also be secured when the parent requests student co-administration of medication when competency is demonstrated. When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan will be developed by the licensed health personnel with the student and the student's parents. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the medication is current; that all information regarding the medication is current; and that the information provided to the district, including, but not limited to the written authorization, is current.
A written medication administration record shall be on file including:
- date;
- student’s name;
- prescriber or person authorizing administration;
- medication;
- medication dosage;
- administration time;
- administration method;
- signature and title of the person administering medication; and
- any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.
Administration of medication records shall be kept confidential.
The school nurse, or in the nurse’s absence, the nurse’s designee shall have access to the medication which will be kept in a secure area. Students may carry medication only with the approval of the parents and building principal of the student’s attendance center. By law, students with asthma or other airway constricting diseases may self-administer their medication upon written approval of their parents and prescribing physician regardless of competency. Students do not have to prove competency to the school district. Emergency protocol for medication-related reactions will be in place.
Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.
The Superintendent shall be responsible, in conjunction with the school nurses, for developing rules and regulations governing the administration of medication, prescription and nonprescription, including emergency protocols, to students and for ensuring persons administrating medication have taken the prescribed course and periodically review the prescribed course. Annually, each student shall be provided with the requirements for administration of medication at school.
Approved August 27, 2018
Reviewed August 27, 2018
Revised August 27, 2018
