Students requiring medication at school shall be identified by their parents/guardians to the school nurse. He/she, in turn, shall assume authority for involving designated school personnel in administration of the medication. This does not prohibit the older and reliable student from assuming the responsibility him/herself, with the approval of his/her parent(s)/guardian and physician.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
In all instances where medication is administered under this policy, the physician prescribing the medication has the power to direct, supervise, decide, inspect, and oversee the administration of such medication. Therefore, no medication shall be given to a student by any employee or agent of the Board of Education unless the following are completed:
1. Written and signed instructions from the prescribing physician.
2. The written statement from the physician:
a. Identifies the specific conditions and circumstances under which contact should be made with him/her in relation to the condition or reactions of the student to the prescribed medication, and reactions of the student to the prescribed medication, and
b. Reflects a willingness on the part of the physician to accept direct communications from the person administering the medication.
3. A written statement from the parent/legal guardian:
a. Authorizing school personnel to give the medication in the dosage prescribed by the physician, and
b. Authorizing school personnel to contact the physician directly.
The Parental Medical Consent Form and the Physician Order for Medication Administration Form shall be used for this purpose.
NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
Non-prescription medications will be administered only after the following criteria are met:
1. Parental Medical Consent Form is completed and signed by Parent or Guardian to the satisfaction of the School Nurse.
2. The School Nurse has checked the medication to assure appropriateness of dose, medication, and frequency.
3. Personnel designated to administer medication are instructed in method of administration dosage and time of administration.
FOR EITHER PRESCRIPTION OR NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
1. The medication must be in a properly labeled container, including:
a. Child’s full name.
b. Name of drug and dosage.
c. Time to be given.
d. Physician’s name (for prescription only).
2. Medication will be kept in a locked drawer or other safe place.
3. Only limited quantities of medication shall be kept at school.
4. It is the responsibility of the student, if appropriate, NOT SCHOOL PERSONNEL, to get his/her medication at the designated time.
5. An accurate and confidential medication administration record shall be maintained for each student receiving medication, including the name of the drug, does, and the time given.
6. All written consent forms shall be on file in School Nurse’s office.
7. The classroom teacher and school personnel may be asked to record unusual behavior of the student on medication.
8. School personnel should under no circumstances provide aspirin, acetaminophen, or other medication to students without meeting the criteria listed. Diagnosis and treatment of illness and the prescribing of drugs are never school responsibilities and should not be undertaken by any school personnel.
ASTHMA INHALERS
Effective September 1, 1999, asthmatic students, while at school, at a school-sponsored activity, or while under the supervision of a school authority, may possess and use a metered dose inhaler or dry powder inhaler if all of the following requirements are met:
1. The student uses the inhaler before exercise to prevent the onset of asthmatic symptoms or uses the inhaler to alleviate asthmatic symptoms.
2. The student has the written approval of his or her physician and, if he or she is a minor, the written approval of his or her parent or guardian.
3. The student has provided the Building Principal or designee with a copy of the required written approval(s).
MEDICATIONS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
The River Valley School District medication policy allows for "older and reliable" students to administer their own medication at school if needed. The following guidelines are used at the high school and middle school:
1. Whenever possible, medications should be taken at home rather than in school.
2. Quantities of medication are not to be kept in a student's locker. Only an amount needed for that day should be carried with the student.
3. Controlled substances such as narcotics or Ritalin needed during school hours must be kept in a locked drawer or other safe place and administered by school personnel. Regular medication procedures will be followed. That is, written parental permission and written physician's instruction must be provided.
4. Inhalers for asthma may be self-administered. However, documentation must be on file when they are needed.
Procedure for Administering Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen to Middle and High School Students
Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen may be administered from a school supply with parent or guardian written permission. Medication cannot be given without parent or guardian written permission.
Only the following dosages can be administered from the school supply:
Dosage
Acetaminophen (325 mg) Children over 12 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours
Ibuprofen (200 mg) Children over 12 only 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours
LEGAL REF.: Sections 118.29 Wisconsin Statutes
118.291
121.01(1)(g)
APPROVED: April 15, 1982
REVISED: June 8, 1989
APPROVED: July 13, 1989
REVIEWED: November 1997
REVISED: July 8, 1999
APPROVED: August 12, 1999
REVISED: September 12, 2002
APPROVED: October 10, 2002
REVISED: March 16, 2006
APPROVED: April 13, 2006
04/20/2006 pw