Medications In School

For the safety of students, it is recommended that medication be given at home whenever possible. For example, medication prescribed three times a day can be given before school, after school and at bedtime. The School District acknowledges that some students may require prescribed drugs or medication during the school day. The School District's licensed school nurse, trained health clerk, or teacher (on a school field trip) will administer prescribed medications in accordance with law and School District procedures.

District Medication Policy

Byron Public Schools has a District Medication Policy #516. The policy was established to ensure the safety of your child and all students who attend Byron Public Schools.

District Medication Policy #516

Forms

The following form is required to be filled-out in order for students to receive medication at school. Over-the-counter medications require a parent/guardian signature. Prescription medications require both a parent/guardian and physician signature.

Medication Authorization Form (Staff Administration)

Guidelines

1. School personnel can only give medication with the written order of a health care provider that is licensed to prescribe and with the written consent of a parent/guardian. Click on the link for a copy of the Medication Authorization Form.

2. Prescription medication must include both a parent and physician’s signature. All permission forms cover the current school year and will need to be renewed each fall.

3. All medication is parent-provided (no Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, eye drops etc. kept on-hand) and must be brought to the health office by a parent/guardian or another responsible adult in it original, unopened container.

4. Prescription medication must be brought to school in an original container labeled by the pharmacy. The following information must be on the label.

• Child's full name
• Name and dosage of medication
• Time and directions of medication
• Licensed Prescriber's name
• Current date

5. Students requiring immediate access to certain medications (i.e inhalers, Epi Pens) may be allowed to self-carry and self-administer with parental and physician permission. A medication authorization form must be signed by the physician, parent and student. Competency in administration must be demonstrated to the school nurse.

Self-administration of (over-the counter) non-prescription pain medications (e.g. Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen) is allowed for secondary grades 7-12 students. A medication authorization form signed by parent is required for over the counter medicine.

6. Mixed doses in a single container will not be accepted for use at school (for example, 5mg and 10mg tablets in the same bottle).

7. Parents/guardians must notify the school in writing when a medication is discontinued.

8. If there is medication remaining after treatment or at the end of the school year, please make arrangements for it to be picked up.

Storage

Medication to be administered at school is to be kept in the health office. Exceptions are student who may carry an asthma inhaler or an Epi Pen if they have a written doctor's order and written parental permission to do so. Other special requests may be discussed with the Licensed School Nurse.

Half Tablets

Health Services staff is not responsible for breaking tablets in half. This will not be done at school. When there is a physician order to given one-half tablet, please talk with your pharmacist to have them split. Further, when there is a physician order to give one and one-half tablets, the full tablets and half-tablets each need to be in a separate, labeled container in order to be given at school.

Field Trips

If you child has daily prescription medication and/or as-needed rescue inhalers or emergency medication, these medications will accompany them on field trips. Health Services staff do not routinely accompany students on field trips, and therefore, a teacher or trained staff member may be responsible for administration of medication.

Nebulizer Treatments

When nebulizer treatments are required, this should be communicated with the school nurse and students must provide their own nebulizer tubing, chamber, and mask. Each school is equipped with its own nebulizer machine to be used for students requiring treatments.