Number:

 210

Section:

 Pupils

Title:

 Use of Medication

Date Adopted:

 May 14, 1979

Date Reviewed:

 February 24, 2004


Purpose
Ideally, all medication should be given at home.  However, it is recognized that many children are able to attend regular school because of the effectiveness of medication in the treatment of chronic disabilities and illnesses.  If a student must take medication during school hours, he or she shall comply with the required procedures.

The Board shall not be responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of student illness.  The administration of prescribed medication in accordance with the direction of a parent and family physician to a student during school hours will be permitted only when:

  1. failure to take such medication would jeopardize the health of the student
  2. the student would not be able to attend school if the medication were not made available during school hours

Definition
For purposes of this policy, "medication” shall include all prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Authority
Before any medication is administered to any student during school hours, Board Policy shall require the written request of the parent, which shall give permission for such administration and relieve the Board and its employees of liability for the administration of medication.  This request must include students name, name of medication, reason for giving, dosage, time to be given, possible side effects, parents signature, and date.

The prescription label will be accepted as written order of the prescribing physician.  The label must contain students name, name of medication, date, dosage, frequency of administration of medicine, and physicians name.

  1. Medications or drugs not handled according to the above procedures may be confiscated by building administration.
  2. Written procedures will be developed and filed in principals and nurses office within each building for:
    a. required delivery of medication to school nurse’s office
    b. storage
    c. dispensing
    d. disposal at end of school year
    e. field trip or school sponsored event
    f. directions for substitute nurse
    g. requirement for original container
         
  3. Parent’s permission and physician’s orders must be provided each school year.
  4. Any change in dosage or frequency must be documented with parent’s permission and physician’s orders.
  5. Parent permission, doctor’s orders or prescription orders will be kept on file for one (1) school year past the school year in which it is used.