46. Supervision of Medications

SUPERVISION OF MEDICATIONS (Refer to BOE Policy JGFGB) 

In certain circumstances when medication is necessary in order for the student to remain in school, the school may cooperate with parents in the supervision of medication that the student will use. However, the medical person authorized to prescribe medication or the parent if it is a non-prescription medication must send a written order to the building administrator or designee who may supervise the administration of the medication or treatment. The parents must submit a written request to the building administrator or designee requesting the school’s cooperation in such supervision and releasing the school district and personnel from liability.

School personnel shall not be required to be custodians of any medication except as required by a written order of a licensed medical person or in the case of nonprescription medication when requested in writing by the parents. The medication shall be examined by the school employee administering the medication to determine that it appears to be in the original container, to be properly labeled and to be properly authorized by the written order of licensed medical personnel. Two containers, one for home and one for school should be requested from the pharmacist. Any changes in the type of drugs, dosage and/or time of administration should be accompanied by a new physician and parent permission signatures and a newly labeled pharmacy container. All medication maintained in the school setting should be kept in a locked container. This includes medication requiring refrigeration. Medications should be inventoried every semester. Out-of-date stock should be returned to the parent or destroyed.

Over-the-counter medications should not be maintained on any school premises, including athletic areas, unless written parent permission to administer is obtained. The building administrator may choose to discontinue the administration of medication provided that the parents or medical personnel are notified in advance of the date and the reasons for the discontinuance. In the administration of medication, the school employee shall not be deemed to have assumed any legal responsibility other than acting as a duly authorized employee of the school district.