Medication Policies
& Procedures.
General Policy
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 the classroom, but must be kept at the 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.
Medication Requirements
Original Container Required
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.
Written Permission Required
Parents must give written permission for the nurse to administer medication including:
- The reason for medication
- Name of medicine
- Dosage and time
- Any allergies
- Parent signature
Prescription Medications
Medications prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider may be administered to students by the school nurse under the following conditions:
- Student's name
- Dosage
- How and when it is to be administered
- Name and phone number of the pharmacy
- Current date of the prescription
Over-The-Counter Medications
Standing Stock Medications
The nurse's office routinely stocks the following over-the-counter medications:
- Tylenol
- Ibuprofen
- Tums
- 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.
Other Over-The-Counter Medications
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:
- Dosage
- Time
- Reason for the medication
Important Notice
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.
Telephone permission cannot be accepted to administer medication.
Students Carrying Medications
Self-Administration of Asthma Medication
Delaware 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
- 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
Delaware 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
- 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
Asthma Management
Quick Reliever Medication: 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. A nebulizer is available for use in the nurse's office.
Asthma Action Plan: 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.
Allergy Management
All students with a doctor-confirmed allergy should have:
- A prescribed Epi-pen at school
- An 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 regarding controlled substance medications.
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 and observation of students self-administering medications on field trips.
School Nurse's Office
For questions about medication policies and procedures, or to obtain medication authorization forms, please contact our nursing staff.
302-516-8000