Hanson School District 30-1 Medication Policy
It is generally recognized that some students may require medication for chronic or short-term illness or health conditions during school sponsored activities. This medication enables students to remain in school and participate in their education.
Although, the school believes that medication should be given outside of school hours whenever possible; the district will provide administration of medication for any student if the parent/legal guardian is willing to comply with requests for authorization and provision of information.
Self-administration of medication may be allowed if certain conditions are met.
This policy and subsequent procedure is to address prescription and over-the-counter medications. Prescription medications are those medications that are ordered by a licensed prescriber. The district addresses the need for cultural competence as it relates to safe medication administration in the school. The school district bases medication policy and procedure on accepted health and education standards, statutes and regulations. The district has procedures that ensure the data privacy of student medical and medication information specific to FERPA, HIPAA, South Dakota School Nurse Practice Acts, and other state and federal laws related to data privacy as necessary.
The School Nurse, under the direction of the school board is responsible to see that medication policies and procedures are followed; people are trained to administer medication; the procedures are performed safely and consistently; and all necessary documentation is completed.
The district has a provision whereby designated school staff administering or assisting with student medications receive training and assistance in providing or assisting students’ with safe medication administration.
The district has a procedure that ensures when students receive medication, the medication is given correctly and documented appropriately.
The district has procedures that assure accurate, safe and hygienic administration of medications.
The district will utilize and systematically apply the principles of the “Six Rights, Rs” when giving medication to students in the school setting.
1. The right student
2. The right medication
3. The right dose
4. The right time
5. The right route
6. The right document or record
Hanson School Medication Policy:
v All medications, whether Prescription or Over-the-Counter, must be turned into the school nurse right away in the morning and not to be left in lockers or backpacks.
v No student will be permitted to carry or possess any type of medications, whether Prescription or Over-the-Counter, on his/her person at any time (except inhalers).
v The parent/guardian must sign an annual School Medication Permit before any medication, Prescription or Over-the-Counter, can be administered at school.
v Any Prescription medication will require the physician/prescriber signature (a copy of the written doctor’s prescription is acceptable) on a separate authorization form as well as the parent/guardian signature.
v If the Prescription medication order is changed during the school year, a new authorization form is required. Please include a copy of the doctor’s written prescription.
v For Prescription medications, a current pharmacy labeled container is required which includes the student’s name, physician name, name of medication, strength, dosage, time interval, route and date of drug’s discontinuation when appropriate.
v For Over-the-Counter medications, an unexpired original container is required and all manufacturer’s labeling must be clearly legible. The student’s name must be written on the container, with exact time to be given and reason it needs to be given.
v School district personnel will not administer to children any substance whose safety is not established, such as Herbal and Homeopathic drugs. And, although herbal products may be sold over-the-counter, they are not FDA regulated nor are there standardized dosing and ingredient guidelines, particularly for the safe use in children.
v All unused medications not picked up by the parents/guardians by the last day of school will be destroyed.
v Medications available at school are: Tylenol/Ibuprofen (Non-Aspirin), Tums chewables or Liquid antacid, Cough drops, topical ointments/Creams for cuts, scrapes, and minor skin irritations, and Benadryl liquid.
This policy was adopted with your child’s safety in mind. If you have any questions concerning this medication policy, please don’t hesitate to call the School Nurse at 239-4387.