Policy - Medication Administration

(taken from the student handbook)

Medication Authorization Form (click here to download, print and fill out and send to school with your child).
Medication Authorization Form in Spanish
Tylenol Authorization Form (click here to download, print and fill out and send to school with your child). For middle school and high school students only.

The primary responsiblity for the diagnosis of illness and the prescription and administration of medications rests with parents and physicians. It is strongly encouraged that medications be given at home during non-school hours. The number of studnts taking medication during the school day can be minimized by using long-acting drugs and by scheduling doses before going to school. In instances when students require short or long-term medication administration while at school, such medication will be self-administered. The medications themselves will be stored and monitored at school by school personnel per guidelines and procedures established by school district administration. In all cases, students and their parents or guardians must be personally responsible for the actual administration and/or taking of medications.

The policy for administering medication to students is as follows:

Prescription

The DeKalb School District allows school personnel to supervise the self-administration of prescription medications to individual students for a limited time under the following guidelines:

1. The medication is required during school hours. Before and after school medication must be given at home.

2. Medication must be brought to school in a properly labeled prescription bottle with the student's name, doctor's name, name of medication and dosage. If medication comes to school in an unlabeled bottle, the school nurse and/or parents are to be notified. The medication will be sent home with the student at the end of the school day with a copy of the medication guidelines. In instances when medications are not properly labeled, school personnel reserve the right to not allow self-administration. Local pharmacies will provide an extra prescription container upon request.

3. A note from the parent must be provided giving permission for school personnel to supervise the self-administration of their child's medication to the extent of that child's ability, and outlining any special instructions.

4. If medication is to be administered for longer than 2 weeks, a doctor's instructions and signature on the medication permission form will be required.

5. Medications that are ordered to be taken three times per day should not be taken at school, unless medically indicated and specifically ordered by the physician.

Non-Prescription

Parents are asked to notify the school nurse that their student must take medication while at school.

1. Over-the-counter medication must be provided in the original container, labeled with the student's name and doctor's name.

2. A note from the parent describing how and when the student is to take the medication must be provided.

3. If medication is to be administered for longer than two weeks, a doctor's instructions and signature will be required on the medication permission form.

Alternative Medicine

Alternative medications are defined in these guidelines as homeopathic or nutritional substances used for the treatment of medical or health conditions. The DeKalb School District allows school personnel to supervise the self-administration of alternative medications for students under the following guidelines:

1. The medication must be required during the school hours for reasons described for prescription and OTC medications. Medications recommended to be taken three times daily will not be allowed.

2. Medication must be brought to school in the original container with the student's name, physician's name, name of medication, dosage, and time to be given. School personnel reserve the right to withhold the taking of the medication if it is provided in an unlabeled container, and parents will be notified.

3. A note from the parents must be provided giving permission for school personnel to supervise the self-administration of the medicine and instructions about how and when to take the medication.

4. All alternative medication requires a licensed physician or osteopath's written authorization regardless of how long it is to be taken.

No medication will be given by school personnel unless these guidelines are followed. Certain exceptions to this policy may need to be made, but these will be handled in advance on an individual basis by the school nurse or principal.

Emergency Epi-Pens

The administration of epinephrine (at appropriate dosage for age) is approved for use in the DeKalb School District. The standing order is signed by a physician who is an active member of the District Health Advisory Committee. The Epi-Pen may be used when students or staff exhibit signs or symptoms of an unexpected extreme allergic reaction.

For Students Needing Metered Dose Inhalers (MDI's)

Students who require inhalers during school hours may be allowed to carry them on their person and use them as ordered by the physician when the following criteria have been met:

• A current Medication Authorization Form has been completed by the physician and has been placed on file at the school.
• The student has demonstrated understanding/competency of inhaler technique.
• The student, parent and physician have met and have signed a student contract.

The signing of the contract insures correct inhaler technique and willingness to assume self-responsibility for carrying this medication. If the student uses the inhaler at school and does not experience relief from breathing difficulty, the student will report at once to the school health office for further assessment.

If you wish to have your child carry his or her inhaler and have any questions, please contact the school nurse.

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page last updated 6-1-07