Medication Policy

MEDICATION POLICY

RUTLAND TOWN SCHOOL


Many children and adolescents are able to attend public school due to the effective use of medication in the treatment of both chronic and acute medical conditions. Although it is preferred that medication be administered to children in their home, we realize that it is sometimes necessary for students to take one or more doses of mediation during school hours. To ensure that medication administration at R.T.S. is conducted safely and in accordance with Medical Practice Law, the student and his/her parents must comply with the following regulations:


  1. Students will NOT be allowed to have any form of medication in their possession at school (except asthma inhalers or epi-pens as described in item # 4). Medications should be delivered to the School Nurse by a parent/guardian. Children or adolescents with chronic illness/disability, who are often responsible for self-administering their medications, will be allowed to continue that practice under appropriate supervision of the School Nurse. Medications will be stored in the Health Office.
  2. Medication must be brought to school (preferably by the child’s parent/guardian) in a container properly labeled by the physician or pharmacist. When filling a prescription, parents should ask the pharmacist to divide the medication into two containers, one for home, and one for school. NOTE: Pills sent in Baggies or other unlabeled containers will not be accepted.

In accordance with Nursing Practice Law, the school nurse must receive the following documentation prior to administering the medication:

For Prescription Medication: written orders from the physician describing the name of the student: the name/type of medication; the reason/need for its use; and time/schedule for doses to be given.

For Both Prescription and Non-Prescription Medications: written permission from a parent/guardian authorizing the school nurse to administer the medication.

Two types of medications may be carried by students, as follows:

  1. Middle School students may be permitted to carry asthma inhalers only if the school nurse is aware of the circumstances and has received written permission from the student’s parents and physician. The student can demonstrate a clear understanding of proper use of the medication, possible side effects to monitor for, and when to seek assistance from the school nurse.
  2. Students with bee sting/food/other allergies causing anaphylaxis may carry Epi-pens.

Due to the risk of choking, K-5 students are not allowed to have cough drops/lozenges in the classroom. The school nurse may administer one to a child in the health office, but students are encouraged to bring a covered drink container with water for the classroom. Furthermore, frequent sips of fluids will soothe symptoms and be of greater benefit to health.

NOTES:

  • Local physician’s office should have copies of the permission form available for use.
  • Students requiring medication for chronic illness/disability must present written authorization when the drug is first brought to school with a renewal required annually.
  • The school nurse (or her substitute) has the right to refuse to administer any medication that is not sent in proper containers or with proper documentation.