Medication Procedures

Medications brought to school that do not meet the following requirements will not be given.  Students are not permitted to carry ANY medications without a waiver while at school including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.  Strict adherence to this policy is necessary for the safety of all students, and to protect your child and yourself from responsibility should these medications fall into the hands of another student on the bus or school property.

 

Prescription Medications

• Nurses in Pennsylvania cannot administer ANY medications without a doctor’s order and parent/guardian permission.  

• You can view and download the Medication Administration Form here.  This is required for each medication and must be signed by a parent/Guardian and prescribing doctor.

• Prescription medications must be in the original pharmacy container or packaging with a pharmacy label on the package.

• Prescription medications that are not in labeled original containers are not acceptable and will be disposed of immediately.

• Prescription medications must be delivered directly to a nurse by an adult. Students are not permitted to carry medication in school or on the bus with the exception of emergency medications with proper documentation.

• New prescription medication orders and forms are required at the beginning of each academic year.

• Prescription medications left in the health office at the end of the school year will be discarded unless picked up by parents. 

• Expired and discontinued prescription medications will be disposed of appropriately unless picked up by parents.

• Parent/guardian is responsible to inform the nurse of any change in medications.

 

Non-Prescription Over-the-Counter (OTC) Prescriptions

• The School Physician has provided a doctor's order for the school nurse to administer Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen or Tums to students during school hours at the discretion of the School Nurse.

• All non-prescription medications other than Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen or Tums require a form to be signed by the doctor and parent/guardian.  You can view and download the Medication Administration Form here. 

• Parents/Guardians must provide digital or written permission for Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen or Tums to be administered by the nurse during school hours.  OTC medication will NOT be given without digital or written parent/guardian permission.

• All OTC medications must be in the original labeled container. 

• For primary/elementary students: The above OTC medications will only be given after communication with a parent/guardian or as arranged between nurse and parent/guardian.

 

Emergency or Chronic Disease Medication

• Includes all medications used to treat severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, seizures, etc.

• It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to deliver these medications to the nurse on or before the first day of school.

• Parents/Guardian must provide a Medication Order Form and Emergency Action Plan to the nurse for students with asthma, severe allergies, seizures, or diabetes before or at the start of the school year. (Available in the health office or on the website).  

• These medications must be kept in the health office at all times unless a student has a completed and signed waiver on file in the health office.

• In accordance with Pennsylvania state law, students with severe or unstable illnesses may carry certain medications (epinephrine autoinjectors, inhalers, diabetes medications) at school or on the bus. If a student is unable to self-administer a medication, parents may opt to make special arrangements with the transportation company. Students must demonstrate responsible behavior in using the medication. Failure to do this will result in withdrawal of permission to carry and use medication.

• For students in grades 7-12, in lieu of a licensed prescriber statement, the nurse, in collaboration with parent/guardian, may make a determination that the student is competent to self administer.

• It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian of students with asthma, severe allergies, or other chronic conditions possibly requiring medication/treatments outside of school hours to make arrangements with the supervisors of those activities.

• Please note that to ensure the safety of your child, basic information regarding life-threatening and emergency conditions may be shared with staff interacting with your child. If you wish for this information to be withheld you must let the building nurse know in writing.

 

Field Trips During School Hours

• Administration of non-emergency/daily medication on a field trip will be addressed with the parent/ guardian on an individual basis.  Be sure the field trip section of the Medication Order form is completed by the prescriber.