Medication Policies & Procedures

  • General

    According to Delaware State Law** only the school nurse may administer medications in school.ALL medications must be kept in the nurse’s office, including over the counter medications. Cough drops are the only exception and may stay in classroom, but must be kept at teacher’s desk to avoid over-use or sharing amongst students. Students are not permitted to carry medications with them of any kind during the school day, unless instructed by their physician.

    1. All Medication must be in the Original Container. Parents are strongly encouraged to bring the medication to the school nurse directly. If students are bringing medications, they should call and inform the nurse , and children should bring the medication to the nurse immediately upon arrival at school
    2. Parents must give written permission for the nurse to administer medication including the reason for med, name of medicine, dosage and time, any allergies and parent signature

    **Delaware Education Regulation: Title 14, Section 817, 1.0-6.0

    Prescription Medications

    Medications prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider may be administered to students by the school nurse under the following conditions:

    • Written request received from the parent/guardian
    • The medication must be brought to school in the original container that is properly labeled with the student’s name, the dosage, how and when it is to be administered, the name and phone number of the pharmacy, and the current date of the prescription.
    • Any allergies are noted
    • The prescription and the medication shall be current and long term prescriptions shall be re-authorized at least once a year.
    • Students with asthma or those who require an epipen must have an Emergency Care Plan filled out by their physician on a yearly basis.

     

    Over-The-Counter Medications

    The nurse’s office routinely stocks Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Tums, and throat lozenges. Students must have written permission each year from the parent/guardian in order for the school nurse to administer the medications.Non-prescription medications may be given by the school nurse after the nurse assesses the complaint and symptoms. It will be determined if other interventions can be used before administering medication.

    If a student requires any other type of over-the-counter medication during school hours, the medication needs to be brought into the nurse’s office in its original container with a note from the parent/guardian stating the dosage, time, and reason for the medication.

    These are the State of Delaware regulations and no exceptions will be made. If the medication sent in for your child does not meet ALL of the above criteria for labeling and proper physician orders and parent/guardian permission, the medication WILL NOT BE GIVEN. The medication will be sent home with your child. We cannot accept telephone permission to administer medication. Forms for medication consent are available at the nurse’s office during the school year or via the website.

     

    Students carrying medications

    Self-Administration of Asthma Medication: Administrative Code 14:612 (2003), Section 3.11 states that each school district that has a policy must permit the use and possession of an asthmatic quick relief inhaler with an individual prescription label by a student with the following provisions: the student uses the inhaler as directed by a state licensed health practitioner, written authorization for the student to possess and use the inhaler is provided, and a statement releasing the school district and its employees from any liability resulting from the student’s use and possession of the inhaler is given.

    Self-Administration of Anaphylaxis Medication: Administrative Code 14:612 (2003), Section 3.11 states that each school district that has a policy must permit the use and possession of an auto-injectable epinephrine with an individual prescription label by a student with the following provisions: the student uses the auto-injectable epinephrine as directed by a state licensed health practitioner, written authorization for the student to possess and use the epinephrine is provided, and a statement releasing the school district and its employees from any liability resulting from the student’s use and possession of the auto-injectable epinephrine is given.

    **See nurse forms section of website or ask school nurse for copy of form for doctor/parents to sign

     

    Asthma

    1. Children who have asthma should have a “quick reliever” medication available in the nurse’s office in the event of an asthma episode at school. The medication can be an inhaler or nebulized medication. Parents must send in a current labeled inhaler or vials of medication, including a tubing set for the nebulizer. There is a nebulizer available for use in the nurse’s office.
    2. An Asthma Action Plan must be completed and signed by the parent and physician. An effective management plan will allow the student to maintain normal activity and prevent an asthma emergency in school.

     

    Allergies

    All students with a doctor-confirmed allergy should have a prescribed Epi-pen at school, with and Allergy Action Plan signed by parents and Doctor.

     

    Controlled Substance Medications

    Controlled substance medications must be brought into school by a parent/guardian and received by school nurse for validation. Any unused medication at the end of the school year must be picked up by parent/guardian by the last day of school. Please contact your school nurse for any questions.

     

    Field Trips

    The only staff member allowed to administer medications in Delaware schools is the school nurse. Teachers complete training to provide stand-by assistance/ observation of students self-administering medications on field trips.