Medication Administration / Medication for Field Trips
Medication Administration / Medication for Field Trips
In effort to remain in compliance with best nursing practices, beginning August 2024, administration of OVER-THE-COUNTER medication during the school day will require a parent/guardian signature and an order from a medical provider. This includes but is not limited to: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, oral or topical allergy medication, cough suppressant, or insect bite ointment. Our telemedicine program is available to all students to assist in obtaining an order without an out of pocket cost to the student. Please see your campus nurse with questions and assistance in scheduling an appointment.
All medication should be given outside of school hours if at all possible. If it is necessary for the student to have medication in order to remain in school, the appropriate request form should be completed and returned to the campus clinic. Forms may be obtained from the school. Medication, prescription or non-prescription, will not be given without written parental/guardian permission and an order from a medical provider (non-expired prescription label is sufficient).
Most medication will be secured in a locked area in the campus clinic. Maintenance of adequate amounts of continuing medication is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. First dose of any medication, prescription or non-prescription, must be given at home in case of an unexpected reaction.
Prescription medication requires that the parent/guardian complete the medication form. Prescription medication, including inhalers, must have the student’s name on the label and be a current prescription. You can obtain a current prescription bottle from your preferred pharmacy by requesting a "School Bottle".
Non-prescription medication must be in the original container, require parent/guardian permission, and a medical provider's order. Only FDA approved medications will be given. The medication usage should be reviewed by medical personnel and instructions given to the school to ensure safe administration of the medication and that the student is receiving proper medical care.
For both prescription and non-prescription medication, the medical provider's order must include the date, child’s name, name of medication, time, amount of dose, and parent/guardian signature.
Students may NOT carry or self-administer any medications at school. Exceptions to this regulation include the use of Epinephrine for anaphylaxis, Insulin for diabetes, and asthma inhalers. A medical providers signature for self administration will be necessary in these instances and will be kept on file in the clinic.
It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to take outdated/unused medication home. After notification, outdated/unused medication will be destroyed if not picked up. Parents are strongly encouraged to pick up the medication no longer being used. Students will not be given medication from the clinic to take home. Medications not picked up at the end of the school year will be properly destroyed according to nursing guidelines.
MEDICATION FOR FIELD TRIPS
Students may NOT carry or self-administer medications on field trips unless the above conditions are met. Teachers/staff members will be responsible for carrying and administering medications. The same procedures will apply.