To help ensure student safety, the administration of medication during the school day is limited to medications that are necessary and cannot be given on an alternate schedule. Families should always administer the first dose of any new medication at home and notify the school nurse of any new prescriptions or dosage changes.

Prescription medications must be provided in the original pharmacy-labeled container. The label must include:

• the student’s name
• the medication name
• the prescribing health care provider
• the date of purchase
• the dosage, route and schedule of administration

In some situations, written orders from the student’s health care provider may also be required. These orders should be shared with the school nurse as soon as possible.

All prescription medications must be brought to the school by a parent or guardian and delivered directly to the nurse’s office, where a Medication Administration Card will be completed. Refills must also be delivered by a parent or an adult parent designee. Medications will be administered only by the school nurse or a trained, designated staff member.

Over-the-counter medications must be provided in an original, unopened container along with a completed Medication Administration Permission Form signed by a parent or guardian. After a student has received five doses of any over-the-counter medication at school, a written prescription or order from a licensed health care provider is required for continued use.

Our district physician has approved a list of commonly used over-the-counter medications and treatments. However, pain-relief medications are limited and intended only as a short-term support. In accordance with state law and district policy, school nurses cannot administer homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements or essential oils.

Families may be notified if a student requests over-the-counter medication or if medication is not administered due to nursing judgment. Because certain over-the-counter medications can mask symptoms or delay diagnosis, they should be used cautiously. Overuse may also lead to serious health risks, including liver, kidney or gastrointestinal complications.

Families are responsible for informing the school nurse of any changes to their child’s health needs or medication plan. Your partnership helps us support the health, safety and well-being of every student.