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.
Medication, including over-the-counter medication, shall be administered only when the student’s parent or guardian (hereinafter “parent”) provides a signed and dated written statement requesting medication administration and the medication is 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. 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.
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 shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated. By law, students with asthma or other airway constricting diseases may self-administer their medication upon approval of their parents and prescribing physician regardless of competency.
Persons administering medication shall include a parent, the physician, the licensed registered nurse (school nurse), and persons who have successfully completed a medication administration course. 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 district.
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.
Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented. 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 protocols for medication-related reactions shall be posted. Medication information shall be confidential information.
(January 17, 2005; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)