There are times that students require medication and/or treatments during the regular school day. These medications and treatments are managed differently at school than families may manage them at home. The reasons for the rules and policies that guide medication management are for safety and are legally dictated.
I am a registered nurse. This is a title given to me by the State of Maryland. I practice under the laws established by my licensing agency (The Maryland Board of Nursing) and the State of Maryland. As a nurse I must have an order from a Doctor (or other authorized Medical Provider) to administer medications and perform particular treatments.
Due to the large number of students attending the school and the large number of students who require medication at school it is critical that the ordered medication is labelled with all of the student's identifying information. That medication is then stored in an area that is secure and where I am confident that when needed the medication is accessible and available.
Any changes to this policy is handled on an individual basis. These situations would include an assessment of the student, consultation with the parent, school administration and prescribing provider by the nurse and a final decision how this medication will be managed. The goal is the safety of the student.
Multiple forms are included on the next page. They serve as the Healthcare providers order, required for medication administration at school.
Please contact me with any questions regarding medication and medical treatments provided at school. I can be reached at sue.righter@pgcps.org.