Subject: MADISON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
From: <Saved by Windows Internet Explorer 7>
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 12:42:21 -0400

Revised draft 9/15/03

MADISON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SCHOOL BOARD POLICY

POLICY #:   301

SUBJECT:  Authorization of Medicine for Students During School Day

ADOPTED:   October 1, 1979

REVISED:    August 1, 1984; November 13, 1995; June 9, 2003

I.  POLICY

Medications administered during school hours by school personnel should be kept to a minimum.  Medications should preferably be given at home.  It is recommended for medications given one to three times a day be given before and after school hours.  The Board of Education realizes that under certain circumstances it may be necessary for students to take medication during school hours.  A parent or legal guardian may come to school to administer medications to their child as prescribed.  Students requiring the use of medication (prescription or non-prescription) on school premises administered by school personnel must have a Medication Authorization Form on file (attachment #1).  A separate authorization form must be completed for each medication administered.  The authorization form may be valid for one school year, but a new authorization form must be completed each time the dose or directions for the medication administered changes.

II.  REGULATIONS

A.     All prescription medication must be sent to school in the pharmacy labeled container and must include the student’s name, medication schedule, dose and physician’s name.

B.     All non-prescription medicine (such as Tylenol or cold medication) must be in the original container from the manufacturer, listing recommended dosage levels and side effects.  The recommended dosage level will not be exceeded unless a physician’s prescription is given for that medication. Non-prescription medication will be giving only if; the medication authorization form is signed by the parent and or guardian identifying the medication, and reason for taking it.  If a non-prescription medication is needed more than 5 consecutive school days then a prescription is necessary from a licensed health care provider.

C.     Medication in the school will be kept in a locked secure place with limited access.  Medications requiring refrigeration are to be kept from food items.  They will need to be kept in a locked container inside the refrigerator.  Temperatures need to be between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent them from freezing and spoiling.  Controlled medication will be stored and dispensed according to state law.

D.     Principals will designate one or more persons in every school with responsibility for the security and administration of the medication.  All personnel administering medication must attend all workshops conducted by the school nurse related to administration of medication.

E.      A separate medication log must be maintained on all students receiving medication (attachment #2).  If an error is made when giving medications it must be documented and reported on the Medical Administration Incident Report Form (attachment #3).  After completion the Incident Report Form will be submitted to the principal. Examples of errors are listed:

1.      Forgetting to give a dose.

2.      Giving the medicine to the wrong child.

3.      Giving the wrong medicine or the wrong dose.

4.      Giving the medicine at the wrong time.

5.      Giving the medicine by the wrong route.

F.      If the physician feels it necessary for a student to carry his medication (asthma inhaler, allergy sting kit, or glucose/glucagons kit) to avoid a life-threatening condition, the physician and parent/guardian must complete a Self Medication Contract and the Emergency Action Plan (attachment #4b). The student will follow the procedure for self-medication (attachment #4a).  Students will be assessed by the school nurse for their competence in self-administering the medications and the student will agree to keep their medicine secure from other students.

G.     School officials are not authorized to supply any type of medication to students, except for external medication during the administration of generally accepted first aid practices.  The unauthorized possession and use of any medication during the school day is not allowed and is a violation of policy.  Any violation of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action against the student, which could include long-term expulsion.

III.  ADOPTION AND EFFECTIVE DATE:

This policy resolution shall take effect and be in full force after its adoption by the Madison County Board of Education.

___________________________                  ____________________________________

Chairman of Policy Committee                      Superintendent of Madison County Schools

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Chairman of Board of Education of Madison County Schools