Schools are accountable to provide safe, legal, and appropriate care for students. This includes the administration of medications necessary during the school day in order for the student to attend school and take full advantage of his or her educational program. Both federal and state laws guide the administration of medications to children during the school day. The school nurse provides for the safe administration of medications in the school setting.
Standing Order Medications: Standing orders are written, reviewed, and signed by the school‘s physician. These orders authorize administration of specific over-the-counter (OTC) medications to students according to a defined protocol. Although parent/guardian approval (consent) is not needed for the administration of medications during a life threatening emergency, consent is required for the administration of over-the-counter medications. Permission to administer these medications to students must be signed and returned to the school health office yearly. Standing order medications include the following:
- CHILDREN’S TYLENOL (age/weight based)
- CHLORASEPTIC SPRAY
- BACTINE SPRAY
- BACITRACIN ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT
- CALAMINE OR ZIRADRYL LOTION
- STING-KILL SWAB
- DACRIOSE/SALINE EYE IRRIGATING SOLUTION
- BENADRYL (oral or topical)
- Mentholyptus COUGH DROPS
- TUMS
- Oragel/Anbesol
Prescription MEDICATIONS: If your child requires any additional medication in school (Prescription or over-the-counter), you will need your child’s medical doctor to complete a Medication Administration Form. Provide the form with a sealed labeled bottle of the matching medication to the school nurse. OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS and PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS both require a Completed Medication Administration Form indicating the following:
- Student’s name
- Name of the medication(s)
- Reason for medication(s)
- Dosage of medication
- Frequency or time(s) of administration
- MD stamp and signature
- Parent signature
- This form needs to be completed annually for each school year