Prescription Medications

Prescription Medication: 

• A written order must be obtained from a medical doctor, dentist, osteopath, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner detailing the name of the medication, the dosage, the route, the time the medication is to be given, the date of termination for administration, and the diagnosis and/or reason for giving the medication at school.

• A written request and permission from the parent/guardian of the student must be obtained, requesting that the school nurse comply with the health care provider’s order.

• Medication must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the manufacturer, pharmacy or health care provider.

• The initial dose of a medication will not be given at school.

• Medications shall be stored in a locked compartment in the health office, or in an alternate locked location at the discretion of the school nurse and Building Administrator. Emergency medications should be accessible to those who may administer them and are not subject to being locked. 

• Delivery of all medications to elementary schools is the responsibility of the parent/guardian or any other designated adult.  Medication should not be transported to and from elementary school grounds by students. Any controlled substances should be brought to school by a parent or guardian.

• Administration of medication shall be recorded in the electronic health record’s daily medication administration log. The medication log includes the name of the student, name of medication, date and time of administration, and the electronic signature of the person administering the medication. A paper medication log should be used in the event that the electronic medical records are not functional. 

• Any changes in the order or discontinuation of the order must be submitted in writing to the school from the licensed provider. A new prescription container label should be requested to replace the outdated dosage label.

• The parent/guardian of elementary students should pick up unused medication within three (3) days following the termination date of administration.  The school nurse retains the right to discard unused medication following this three (3) day period. 

Controlled substances

• • Prescription medications considered controlled substances should be double locked in the nurse’s office.

  • Students may not self-carry or self-administer controlled substances. 

  • Controlled substances should be brought to the school by a parent/guardian.

  • Medication should be counted on arrival to school by the person dropping off medication and the person receiving the medication.  Both parties should sign a medication count log indicating the number of pills provided.

  • If medication is being returned to a parent/guardian, both the nurse and the parent/guardian should count the number of pills being returned to the parent and sign off indicating the return of medication.