Medications

Many parents are surprised to learn what the requirements are for giving prescription medications at school, and that non-prescription medications (such as cough drops and over the counter cold remedies) are also regulated and limited. State regulations and legal realities have had a growing impact on all schools in recent years. The simplest advice is to schedule medications to be given at home whenever possible. 

All medication, be prescription or over-the-counter medications, must have an authorization form completed.  2 forms are available in this handbook.  If you need more contact the school office.

Prescription 

Only those medications specifically prescribed to be given during school hours will be given at school. 

1. Two signed forms are needed: one from the physician and one from the parent. The physician's form must include certain specific information: the name of the drug, time of dosage, reason for medication, route of administration, adverse effects, and emergency instructions. Generalized notes from the physician or the parent are probably not acceptable. For this reason, we supply forms for you and your physician to use. Signed and completed forms may be faxed to our office. Our fax number is 343-4921. 

2. Medications must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician. The instructions should indicate that the medication is to be given during school hours. 

3. The school nurse will monitor the administering of all prescription medications, and with the principal's assistance will be responsible for designating and training staff members to give the medication in the nurse's absence. 

4. A log will be kept of all medications administered at school. It will include the student s name, the date and time the medication was given, and the signature or initials of the staff member giving the medication. All prescription medication will be kept in a locked cabinet or drawer. 

Non-prescription (over the counter) 

1. Two signed forms -- one from the physician and one from the parent -- are needed for each current illness, just as for prescription medicine. (See above) 

2. These medications must be supplied by the parent. The medication will be kept by the teacher or other staff person during the school day. 

3. The parent may be called when a non-prescription medication is given to ascertain that none has been given within four hours, and to notify the parent of the time the medication is being given. 

4. Appropriate non-prescription medication considered necessary by school personnel for routine first aid measures following minor injuries will be administered unless written objection by the parent is on file at the school. 

All medications -- prescription or non-prescription -- must be picked up by the parent or disposed of by school personnel at the end of the prescribed administration period or at the end of the school year.