5330 - ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS

For purposes of this guideline:

1. "Practitioner" shall include any physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, physician assistant, and advanced practice nurse prescriber who is licensed in any State.

2. "Medication" shall include all drugs including those prescribed by a practitioner and any nonprescription drug products.

3. "Administer" means the direct application of a nonprescription drug product or prescription drug, whether by injection, ingestion, or other means, to the human body.

4. "Nonprescription drug product" means any non-narcotic drug product which may be sold without a prescription order and which is prepackaged for use by consumers and labeled in accordance with the requirements of State and Federal law.
   
   Nonprescription drug products include cough drops that contain active ingredients. These cough drops must be handled in the same manner as aspirin, Advil and Tylenol. If a cough drop contains only sugar, water, and some menthol, the procedures for handling nonprescription drug products are not required.

Prescribed Medications

In those circumstances where a student must take prescribed medication during the school day, the following guidelines are to be observed:

1. Parents should determine with their practitioner’s counsel whether the medication schedule can be adjusted to avoid administering medication during school hours.

2. The Medication Request and Authorization Form 5330 F1 must be filed with the school nurse before the student will be allowed to begin taking any medication during school hours. This written and signed request form is to be submitted on an annual basis, or more often if changes in dosage occur, and will include:

   1. student's name and date of birth;

   2. medication and dosage or procedure required;

   3. times required;

   4. special instructions including storage and sterility requirements;

   5. date prescribed medication will be started;

   6. practitioner's name, address, and telephone number;

   7. probable side effects;

   8. agreement to notify the school in writing if the medication, dosage, schedule, or procedure is changed or eliminated. A new request form must be submitted each school year or for each new medication.

3. For each prescribed medication, the medication shall be in the original pharmacy-labeled package with the following information in a legible format:

   1. student’s name

   2. practitioner’s name

   3. date

   4. pharmacy name and telephone

   5. name of medication

   6. prescribed dosage and frequency

   7. special handling and storage directions

4. All medications to be administered during school hours must be registered with the Principal's office. Upon receipt of the medication, the office staff shall verify the amount of medication brought to the school and indicate that amount on the student's medication log sheet.

Nonprescription Drug Products

In those circumstances where a student must take a Nonprescription Drug Product during the school day, the following guidelines are to be observed:

1. The Nonprescription Drug Product Request and Authorization Form 5330 F1a must be filed with the school nurse before the student will be allowed to begin taking any medication during school hours.

2. For each nonprescription drug product, the container shall be the original manufacturer’s package and the package must list in a legible format the ingredients and recommended therapeutic dose.

   The parents request to administer a nonprescription drug product shall contain the following information:

   1. student's name

   2. date

   3. name of medication

   4. dosage and frequency

   5. special handling and storage directions

General Procedures

1. A Medications Administration Daily Log (Form 5330 F2) recording the administration of each prescribed medication and nonprescription drug product shall be maintained. The log will note the personnel giving the medication, the date, the exact dosage administered, and the time of day. The log will include each error in the administration of the medication and each missed administration of the medication. This log will be maintained along with the practitioner's written request and the parent's written release.

2. Written documentation of the Department of Public Instruction approved training provided for each person authorized to administer a prescribed medication or treatment will show:

   1. what training was given;

   2. the trainer’s name and professional status:

   3. when the training was given.

3. Any unused medication unclaimed by the parent will be destroyed by administrative personnel when a prescription is no longer to be administered or within seven (7) days after the end of a school year. Medication must be disposed of in an approved manner, not by flushing medications. School personnel may contact law enforcement or local hospitals to identify locations for disposal of medications.

4. The staff member administering the medication shall make a reasonable effort to see that the student takes the medication properly.

5. All medications are to be administered in such a way as to not unduly embarrass the student.

6. Student with Severe Asthmatic Symptoms

   Use of Metered Dose or Dry Powder Inhalers

   Asthmatic students may, while in school, at a school-sponsored activity, or under the supervision of a school authority, possess and use a metered dose inhaler or dry powder inhaler when the following three (3) conditions are met.

   1. The student is required to carry an inhaler for use prior to physical activity to prevent the onset of asthmatic symptoms or for use to alleviate asthmatic symptoms, and

   2. the completed Parent Consent form for a minor student has been submitted to the office staff.

Asthmatic students who are not required to carry an inhaler shall follow the guidelines which apply to all other prescription medications and their administration.

7. Students with Severe Allergic Reactions

   Use of Epi-pen

   Students who may suffer from severe allergic reactions may, while in school, at a school-sponsored activity, or under the supervision of a school authority, possess and use an epi-pen when three (3) conditions are met.

   1. The student is required to carry the epi-pen for use to prevent the onset of an allergic reaction, and

   2. the completed Parent Consent form for a minor student has been submitted to office staff.

Students who may suffer from severe allergic reactions but are not required to carry an epi-pen shall follow the guidelines which apply to all other prescription medications and their administration.

8. School personnel are not required to administer a nonprescription drug product or prescription drug by means other than ingestion. However, personnel designated to administer medications may indicate a willingness to provide medications, in an emergency or special situation, by means other than ingestion. This is done only under the direction and delegation of the school nurse. The school nurse shall provide instruction and written protocols, as well as documentation that both were provided.

School personnel trained to administer medications shall keep a copy of the Administration of Medication Policy and Guidelines in an accessible spot for quick reference and have the right to refuse to administer medication to students when the required authorization forms and signatures have not been completed.

© Neola 2014