CLAY COUNTY
SCHOOLS
It is the policy of the Clay County Board of Education to discourage the practice of students taking medication during the school day. Only in unusual situations and with precise attention the Medication Policy regulations will students be allowed to use medication during the school day.
The purpose of administering medications in school is to assist students who require medication during school hours to maintain an optimal state of health and, therefore, enhance their educational program.
The intent of this policy is to assure safe administration of medications in school for those students who require them. This policy applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS:
1. A written statement shall be required annually, unless physician deems that original order is unchanged and ongoing.
a. From the physician, who will indicate the name of the medication, the route, the dosage, frequency and time of administration, possible side effects and contraindications.
b.
From the parent, who will request and authorize the
school to give the medication in the dosage prescribed by the physician.
2. Parents/guardians are required to supply the medication in the original container labeled by the pharmacy or physician. The container will be labeled with the student’s name, name of medication, dose to be given, frequency and time it is to be given, the name of the prescribing physician, and the date the medication is obtained.
3. See Self-Administered Medication Policy in regards to inhalers, insulin, and Epipens.
NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS (OVER THE COUNTER)
1. Over the counter medication (Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin, Cough Syrup, Antacids, etc.) will not be given at school. The only exceptions are if the child is 18 years or older, and if the parent/guardian is able to come to the school and administer the medication to the child. If a written order is provide by the doctor indicating name of medication, route, dosage, frequency and time of administration, then over the counter medication may be given at school.
2. Topical medications may be used if indicated, for management of first aid (e.g. Peroxide, Cortaid Ointment, antibiotic ointment, Sting Kill, First Aid Spray, Benadryl Spray, Cream and Gel).
3. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride) Liquid. See attached standing orders.
4. The administration of Syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting is no longer recommended. Follow policies for poisoning and drug overdose under medical emergencies.
Medication will be given by or under the direction of the school nurse (during school hours).
Medication will be stored in locked drawer or cabinet. Medications requiring refrigeration will be refrigerated in a secure area.
Each dose of medication will be documented on the individual student medication record. Documentation will include: the name of the student, name of the medication, dosage, date, time, route, and the initials of the person administering the medication.
A. To send written permission to the school for the student to use the medication during the school day.
B. To inform the physician of the Medication Policy and secure from him/her the following written instruction to accompany the medication:
1. Child’s name
2. Name of medication in original container
3. Purpose of medication
4. Possible side effects of medication
5. Dosage and method of administration
6. Method of storage of medication
7. Date of completion for medication
8. Time to be administered
C. To inform the principal or designee of any change in the child’s medication and send to school a written statement from the doctor indication the change.
D. To pick up all unused medication at the end of the school year.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRINCIPAL OR HIS/HER
DESIGNEE:
A. To inform parents and students of the School Medication Policy.
1. That appropriate school personnel are informed about the medication.
2. That the proper dosage is given to the student and recorded in the student’s folder.
3. That the medication is kept in a locked drawer or cabinet.
4. That unused medication be returned to the parent.
5. Document on medication record that medicine was given.
6. Maintain a medication check in log for each child, with name of medication and amount received.
7. Complete incident report if error in administering medications is made.
8. If medication is not given, document on medication log the reason why it was not given.
B. To inform the student that sharing medication with other students is prohibited, and considered a very serious offense if a student is discovered doing this.
C. To deny a request for using medication at school if the request is deemed inappropriate.
D. To appoint the school nurse as advisor for medication administration.
E. To require the parents who request administration of medication in the schools get a written statement from the physician.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENTS
A. To know and follow the regulations of the Medication Policy
B. To avoid sharing his/her medication with other students which is considered a serious offense by school officials. Disciplinary measures for violating the regulation are determined by the principal.
RESPONSIBLITIES OF SCHOOL NURSE
A. Provide training for school staff who are assigned the responsibility for administering and safely securing medications at school.
B. Coordinate and monitor the administration of medication in each school according to school policies.
C. Review the documentation of medication in the school. Periodically audit the completed forms and procedures for quality, accuracy, safety, and compliance with written guidelines. Recommend changes to principals and school staff.
D. Serve as consultant to principals, school staff, parents, and students regarding medication safety and concerns at school.
E. Serve as liaison with parents, physicians and the appropriate individuals regarding status and effectiveness of student’s medication treatment plan.
F. Annual review of medication policy
The School’s registered nurse should have a readily accessible, current copy of Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) or Drug Facts and Comparison for use a a standard resource in reviewing medications.
CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM POLICY
FOR SELF-ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
Students of Clay County Schools will be authorized to self-administer medication for asthma (inhaled bronchodilators), anaphylaxis (injected epinephrine), and diabetes mellitus (insulin) while at school, school sponsored activities, and in transit to and from school or school sponsored activities when all of the following requirements are met:
A. The student’s parent or guardian must submit a written treatment plan for managing asthma, anaphylaxis or diabetes. The plan must be prepared by a health care provider authorized to prescribe the medication under State law, and must state:
1. That the student has asthma, anaphylaxis or diabetes
2. That self-administration of asthma, anaphylaxis or diabetes medication is part of the student’s treatment plan.
3. That the student has be instructed in, and has demonstrated to the health care provider, the skills necessary to self-administer medication for asthma, anaphylaxis or diabetes, and
4. The name or type of medication that the student may self-administer while in school, at school sponsored activities, or in transit to or from school sponsored activities.
B. The student’s parent or guardian must submit to the school written permission for the student to self-administer the medication while in school, at school sponsored activities, or while in transit to or from school or school sponsored activities.
C. If the student’s school is served by a school nurse, the student must demonstrate to the school nurse that the student has the skills necessary to self-administer medication for asthma, anaphylaxis or diabetes mellitus.
D. Students must dispose of contaminated sharps in accordance with OSHA guidelines.
Supervision will be conducted by the School Nurse, and/or trained school staff, in accordance with the Clay County Schools Medication Policy.
Students will be allowed to carry these medications on their possession as long as the preceding requirements have been met.