Medications at School
Medications are normally best administered at home, but there are times when medication must be administered at school.
In order to assist your student, we must follow Ed. Code 49423 states that “any pupil who is required to take medication, during the regular school day, maybe assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the school receives (1) a written statement (Authorization) from such physician detailing the method, amount and the time scheduled by which such medication is to be taken and (2) a written statement from the parent/guardian of the pupil indicating the desire that the school district assists the pupil in the matters set forth in the physician’s statement.”
These Authorizations must be renewed annually (at the beginning of each school year) and should also include the condition for which the medication is to be given, dosage, route of administration, frequency, when the medication should be discontinued, and also list possible side effects.
A medication may include not only a substance dispensed in the United States by prescription but also a substance that does not require a prescription, such as over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, nutritional substances, and herbal remedies (5 CCR 601).
All medications must be brought to school by a parent or adult (student may not carry/bring them in) in the original pharmacy or store labeled container. The label must detail the name (or ingredients) and have clear instructions as to how to administer. This includes topical medications. Medications may not be cut/halved at school. This is to prevent cross-contamination of one medication to another via the pill cutter and also because the pill may not be cut accurately. Any medication needing halved or cut must be done by the pharmacy or the parent.
Medications must be stored in a locked cabinet in the Health Office unless allowed to be carried by the student per law. (Exceptions may include emergency medications such as asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors, or diabetic needs).
These procedures are required so that your student will receive their medication exactly as your physician prescribed. If there is a concern regarding these procedures, a parent or parent designee may come in and administer/apply the medication to their student (and no authorization would be required). If you have any questions regarding these procedures, you may contact your school and request to speak with the School Nurse.
FORMS