Administration of Medicine

Purpose

This policy relates to the administration of medicine to students by ANCS personnel.

Duration

This policy is permanent but subject to revision based on changing standards.

Policy

Section 1. Scope of This Policy

  1. Any medication, prescription or over the counter, that needs to be administered during school hours must be done so with the authorization of the ANCS office staff/nurse.
  2. No student may carry either prescription or over-the-counter medication, including inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, at school without the permission of the ANCS office staff/nurse.
  3. Self-administration of inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors is allowed when approved by the student's physician, parents/guardians, and ANCS office staff/nurse.
  4. All medication must be brought to school by an adult, properly labeled and in its original container.

Section 2. Prescription Medication

  1. A doctor's order must accompany all prescription medication brought to school. A parent/guardian must sign a Medication Administration form filled out by the doctor with the following information:
    1. Name of student and date of birth
    2. Name of medication
    3. Reason for administration in school
    4. Dosage
    5. Dosage interval (e.g., every 4 hours)
    6. Duration of administration (e.g., one week)
    7. List of food or drug allergies
    8. Name of student's physician (or prescribing healthcare provider)
    9. Potential side effects (if any)
    10. Parent/guardian emergency telephone contact numbers
  2. Students with allergies that may require treatment with an EpiPen should keep their EpiPen within their possession at all times.

Section 3. Over-the-Counter Medication

  1. As part of the standard health forms filled out at the beginning of each year, parents/guardians may grant permission for the ANCS office staff/nurse to administer over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Neosporin, or hydrocortisone to their student. Parents/guardians who wish to change their permission status should see the Main Office.
  2. For students who may require medication, office staff/nurse will do a brief assessment to determine need. This will include observation for possible fever, pain from injury, orthopedic or orthodontic procedures, headache, etc.
  3. Parents/guardians may be contacted if, in the assessment of the ANCS office staff/nurse, a student is in need of additional medical attention.

Section 4. Ongoing Health Issues Requiring Medication

  1. For ongoing health issues requiring medication such as allergies or asthma, parents/guardians will need to provide ANCS with a Medical Action Plan signed by a physician, in addition to the Medication Administration Form.
  2. The Medical Action Plan must be updated annually.

Resources

The following forms are maintained by the school nurse:

  • School Asthma Management Plan
  • Food Allergy Action Plan
  • Medication Administration Form

Approval and Review

Approved

Effective

 Last Review

Next Review
06/16/15 07/01/15 06/2023 06/2026