FCDS Medication Administration Policy

Medications administered during school hours by school personnel should be kept to a minimum. The student in need of medication to sustain his/her attendance in school may have a chronic health condition, an acute health condition, or a special health care need requiring prescription medication administration during school hours. The policy is intended to cover these specific types of situations.

A student with an acute condition may be required to take medications such as antibiotics for short periods of time. Every effort should be made so that medication can be given at home, before or after school hours.

If prescription medications must be administered during school hours, an Authorization for Medication Administration form must be filled out and signed by both the students’ physician and parent before the medication can be given by the school nurse or her designate.

When students have pre-existing health conditions which may warrant urgent or emergent measures such as administration of medication or first-aid, it is the parents' or guardians' responsibility to assure that the school nurse is aware of the situation to facilitate implementation of such measures.

By virtue of their age or medical condition, it may be more efficient and advantageous for some students to self-medicate. The latter is allowable if permission is granted, in writing, by the students' physician and parent. The written permission must be given to the school nurse for inclusion in the students' health file.

At no time shall a student self-medicate with a prescription drug without prior written permission from the students’ physician and parent and communication regarding such self-medication with the Division Director and School Nurse. A completed Authorization for Medication Administration form is also required.

At no time shall a student provide medication of any kind to another student.

All prescription medications administered by school personnel during school hours must be prescribed by a physician or dentist, or co-signed by one.

Signed parental permission must be on record for all medication administered at the school.

All prescription medication must be provided in a labeled container which includes the student's name, the name of the medication, the unit dosage to be given, the number of dosage units, the time the medication is to be given, and the route of administration.

All prescription medications will be kept in a locked cabinet in the Health Room (exceptions may be made for medicine which requires refrigeration).

Protocols will exist for specific non-prescription medications. These non-prescription medications will only be dispensed per protocol and with permission of the parent as outlined on Routine Treatment and Health Information Form.

Standing orders for all non-prescription medications will be on file in the Health Room and will be updated yearly with a physician's approval and signature.

It is highly recommended that students do not self-medicate with non-prescription medications during regular school hours. Any non-prescription medications needed by a student during school hours that are not normally dispensed from the Health Room may be brought from home to the Health Room with a note signed by the parent for dispensation to said student. The School Nurse will store such medications for individual students in the Health Room. All medications must be in their original packaging, clearly identifying the name, dose, and instructions for dispensation.

Individual medication administration records will be maintained for all students receiving daily medications. The date, time, dosage, route of administration and person administering the medication will be recorded.

Medication administration will be the responsibility of the school nurse or her designate.

All forms related to medication administration at school are available in the Health Room and the three Division Offices.