Medication Administration

If at all possible, medications should be taken at times other than school hours.  For example, medication prescribed to be given three times a day can be given before school, after school, and at bedtime.  If it becomes necessary for your child to take prescription medication during the school day, the medication must be brought to the school nurse by the parent and a form filled out. All medicines must be in the original container and be clearly labeled with the child's name, date of the prescription, name of the medication, dosage, and times to be administered.

If your child needs to take medication during school, the school district requires:

Prescription medications:

• Signed written permission from the parent/guardian for the school nurse to dispense medication.
• Long-term medications including prescription or over the counter: an annual statement from the prescribing physician is required which includes name of medication, the reason it is prescribed, and the dosage, time and frequency that the medication is to be given at school. The physician must write this or use a Medication Administration Request. These forms must be completed annually and whenever there is a change of medication, dose, procedure, and/or treatment.
• Short-term medication: the pharmacy label on the prescription container may be used for up to 2 weeks without a physician's statement. Prescription medication must be in the properly labeled pharmacy container.   

Ask the pharmacist for a labeled bottle for home and a labeled bottle for school each time the prescription is filled or refilled. The pharmacy will provide this service to you free of charge.

Over the counter - short term (3 days) medications:

·        Signed written permission from the parent/guardian for the school nurse to dispense medication.  The form can be filled out in the clinic when the medication is brought to the nurse by the parent or other adult. 

·        Medication must be in the original container which includes product instructions.

NOTE: The School Nurse will not dispense medications which are brought to school in improperly labeled containers (i.e. plastic bags, envelopes, aluminum foil, cellophane, etc.)

No homeopathic or herbal preparations will be given.

Children are not allowed to carry medications to or from school.  If you send a medication to school with your child, the nurse cannot send it home with him/her.