This procedure for medication administration has been put in place for the safety of your child. In order to comply with state and local regulations, medication administration by school personnel must be approved and delegated by the school nurse. The required documentation must be submitted no later than one week before the scheduled field trip. Designated school personnel will be trained in the administration, contraindications and side effects of each medication.
Students are not permitted to be in possession of any medications, except when approved by the school nurse as an acceptable self-administered medication according to the exceptions listed (see below). If your child has been prescribed an over the counter (OTC) medication by a physician for a diagnosed condition, the same steps should be followed as if it was a prescription medication.
Over the counter medications (OTC): any medication purchased without a prescription.
The following forms are necessary if medication is to be administered during the field trip:
Medication Order – For prescription (and prescribed over the counter) medications this form must be filled out and signed by both the prescribing physician and the parent/guardian and returned to the school nurse.
Medication must be delivered to the school nurse in a pharmacy labeled container by the student’s parent or guardian. The first initial dose of a medication cannot be given while on a field trip.
Medication Order – Self-Administered – For Inhalers (for asthma or other respiratory disease) and Epi-Pens (for anaphylaxis), Glucose Monitoring Tests, Insulin (for Diabetes), and Enzyme Supplements (for specific conditions), this form must be completed and signed by both the prescribing physician and the parent/guardian and returned to the school nurse.
Following consultation with the school nurse, students who fall into the following EXCEPTIONS may self-administer prescription medications:
- Students with asthma or other respiratory diseases may possess and administer prescription inhalers.
- Students with medical conditions requiring enzyme supplements may possess and administer them.
- Students with diabetes may possess and administer glucose monitoring tests and insulin delivery systems.
- Students with life threatening allergies may possess and administer prescription Epinephrine.
Allergy Action Plan – An additional form is required for Epi-pens (anaphylaxis) which must be completed and signed by the prescribing physician and the parent/guardian and returned to the school nurse.
Unlicensed School Personnel Permission Form – This form documents your permission for an unlicensed school personnel to administer medications to your child.