Medication Policies & Procedures
General Guidelines
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.
- Original Container: All Medication must be in the Original Container.
- Written Permission: Parents must give written permission including reason, name of medicine, dosage, time, allergies and signature.
Important Drop-off Rules
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.
Types of Medications
Different rules apply depending on whether the medication is prescribed by a physician or purchased over-the-counter.
Prescription Medications
Medications prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider may be administered to students by the school nurse if a written request is received from the parent/guardian.
Container Must Show:
- • Student's name
- • Dosage and how/when to administer
- • Name & phone number of pharmacy
- • Current date of prescription
- • Any allergies
Long term prescriptions shall be re-authorized at least once a year. Students with asthma or requiring an epi-pen must have an Emergency Care Plan filled out by their physician on a yearly basis.
Over-The-Counter (OTC)
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 these 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.
Bringing Your Own OTC Meds:
It 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.
Strict State Regulations
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 criteria for labeling, 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.
Students Carrying Medications
Certain life-saving medications may be carried by students with specific authorizations and liability forms completed by physicians and parents.
Self-Administration of Asthma Medication
Administrative Code 14:612 states that each school district must permit the use and possession of an asthmatic quick relief inhaler with an individual prescription label by a student with the following provisions:
- Student uses it as directed by a health practitioner
- Written authorization to possess and use is provided
- Statement releasing school district from liability is given
Self-Administration of Anaphylaxis Medication
Administrative Code 14:612 states that each school district must permit the use and possession of an auto-injectable epinephrine with an individual prescription label by a student with the following provisions:
- Student uses it as directed by a health practitioner
- Written authorization to possess and use is provided
- Statement releasing school district from liability is given
Asthma
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.
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.
An Allergy Action Plan strictly signed by parents and Doctor is required to be kept on file.
Other Circumstances
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.
Questions About
Policies?
Contact your campus nurse with questions about medication administration, forms, or specific medications.