Medication in School

The only medications that are given in school are those that are absolutely necessary.

• Parents should make every effort to give medications at home.

• Students are not permitted to take medications in school without the consent or knowledge of the school nurse.  If a student self administers medication based on the prior approval of the school nurse, the student should immediately report this administration to the School Nurse.

• The school nurses cannot administer any medications without both the written permission from the child's parent/caregiver and a physician's written order.

Standing-order medications are medicines ordered by Burlington Township School District Physician Dr. David Koerner, DO that can be administered to students by the school nurse once parental permission on the student's e-collect form is received. If a medication is administered to a child, depending on the child's age, the school nurse may send home a written note describing the time and type of medicine given and the student's complaint or reason for the health room visit. Standing order medications are intended for the treatment of illness or injury that occurs during school hours. *Parents are asked to address and treat all student health concerns before the start of the school day*.

*Parents are asked to refrain from administering temperature-reducing medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen for known or suspected fevers prior to the start of the school day. Students with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher must remain at home until they are fever-free without the use of temperature-reducing medications. Reducing the body temperature with medication does not reduce the potential for communicating illness to others.

Special medications are all other medicines, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, that are not listed on the standing order medication list. They are categorized according to the duration of time they must be given, either short-term or long-term.

Important Notes:

• A responsible adult must bring medication to school.

• Prescribed medications must be in the original prescription container and properly labeled with the student name, physician name, medication name, dosage, and time of administration.

• Over-the-counter medication should be in the original sealed package.

• Do not bring medicines in plastic bags or envelopes.

• School nurses will not and legally cannot administer any medication that is not in a prescription container and is without a written physician's order.

• Improperly labeled bottles will not be accepted.

• The maximum amount of medication that can be accepted and housed in health offices is a 30-day supply.