Medication Administration
The term "medication" refers to any category of prescription and nonprescription preparations.
SPS Medication Administration Plan
The following information regarding medication administration in school will be strictly enforced:
- The Southington Board of Education maintains a policy as mandated by the Connecticut Department of Health for the administration of authorized medications by school personnel.
- The term medication includes both prescription and nonprescription preparations and refers to any type of pills, drops, lotions, ointments, creams, liquids, and injected substances.
- A school nurse, registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse under the supervision of a qualified school nurse may administer authorized medications. In the absence of licensed nursing personnel, qualified personnel who have been trained to do so, may administer authorized medications.
- No medication shall be stored at school or administered to any student unless authorization from a parent or legal guardian and order from a MD/DDS/OD/PA/APRN have been received in writing on the designated form. This form must specify the following in writing:
- Medication trade name and generic name
- Condition which necessitates the medication
- Duration of order
- Dosage of order
- Time/frequency of administration
- Method of administration
- Possible side effects and management of named side effects
- Any history of known allergic reactions
Orders must be renewed each school year or at any time the medication is changed.
No medication may be administered without:
- the written order of an authorized prescriber;
- the written authorization of the student’s parent or guardian or eligible student; and
- the written permission of the parent for the exchange of information between the prescriber and the school nurse necessary to ensure the safe administration of such medication.
- Medication name
- Condition which necessitates the medication
- Duration of medication
- Dosage of order
- Time/frequency of administration
- Any history of known allergic reactions
6. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for supplying the nurse with all medications ordered. All medications must be delivered in the original labeled containers to the licensed nursing personnel by a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult. You may request that the pharmacist prepare two separate bottles if the medication is to be given at home and at school. No medication will be accepted in envelopes or baggies. Do not send any type of pills, drops, lotions, ointments, creams, liquids, or injected substances to school with your child.
7. Students may carry and self-administer their prescribed Metered Dose Inhaler and EpiPen or other epinephrine auto- injector medication, following procedural guidelines with MD/parent/legal guardian authorization forms completed. Students who have diabetes, may carry and self-administer their prescribed blood glucose testing and diabetes care supplies following procedural guidelines with MD/parent/legal guardian authorization forms completed., The School Nurse will review the Student Mediaction Self0Administration Assessment and Contract with the student.
8. If a student-athlete participating in intramural or interscholastic events will be carrying their (a) inhalant medications prescribed to treat respiratory conditions or (2) medication administered with a cartridge injector for students with a medically diagnosed allergic condition which may require prompt treatment to protect the student against serious harm or death, or (3) diabetes management medications be sure to have the prescriber’s self-administration authorization box checked on the student’s Medication Administration Authorization Form.
9. All liquid medication must be received in the original bottles. No more than a three month supply of a student’s medication will be accepted by the nurse. All medications will be stored in a designated area. No medication will be stored without the appropriate documentation.
10. Any medication purchased over-the-counter (e.g. Benadryl, Tylenol) must be brought to school in the original unopened container.
11. All medications will be properly destroyed if not picked up within one week following termination of the order or during school hours on the last day of school.
12. Licensed nursing personnel will record the original medication order or the parent/legal guardian authorization form and subsequent changes in the student’s cumulative health record. The nurse will also maintain a medication administration record for each student who receives medication during school hours.
13. Parents and legal guardians may be invited to accompany their child on a field trip and administer the necessary medication. Medications may be administered on field trips by qualified personnel trained in medication administration. A parent or legal guardian may be asked to provide a single dose of prescription medication dispensed from the pharmacy for field trip use. The parent or legal guardian of a student requiring multiple doses of a prescription medication must obtain a pharmacy dispensed travel pack, which is a limited quantity prescription from the pharmacist. A travel pack must have its own proof of use record for controlled substances.
14. Prescribed medication should not be administered during school hours if it is possible to achieve the desired effects by home administration outside school hours.
15. An epinephrine auto-injector can only be discontinued with written notification from an authorized prescriber.