Medication in School

Medication in School

 
The only medications that are given in school are those that are absolutely necessary.
  • Parents should make every effort to give medications at home.
  • Students are not permitted to take medications in school without the consent or knowledge of the nurse.
  • Nurses cannot administer any medications without written permission from parents and a physician's written order.
 
Standing order medications are medicines ordered by Franklin Regional District Physician Dr. Joseph Dougherty that can be administered to students by the School Nurse once parental permission on the student's emergency card is received. A list of standing order medications is distributed annually with emergency cards on the first day of school. Depending on the age of the child, the nurse may send home a written note describing the time and type of medicine given and the student's complaint or reason for health room visit. Standing order medications are intended for the treatment of illness or injury that occur during school hours. Parents are asked to address and treat all student health concerns prior to the start of the school day*.

*Parents are asked to refrain from administering temperature reducing medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen for known or suspected fevers prior to the start of the school day. Students with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher must remain at home until they are fever free without the use of temperature reducing medications. Reducing the body temperature with medication does not reduce the potential for communicating illness to others.

Special medications are all other medicines, including over the counter (OTC) medicines that are not listed on the standing order medication list distributed with the emergency card. Special medications are categorized according to the duration of time they must be given, that is, short-term or long-term.

You may also click the "FORMS" button for a copy of this form.

Important Notes:
  • A responsible adult must bring medication to school.
  • Prescribed medications must be in the original prescription container and properly labeled with student name, physician name, medication name, dosage, and time of administration.
  • Over-the-counter medication should be in the original sealed package.
  • Do not bring medicines in plastic bags or envelopes.
  • Nurses will not and legally cannot administer any medication that is not in a prescription container and is without a written physician's order.
  • Improperly labeled bottles will not be accepted.
  • A 30 day supply of medication is the maximum amount of medication that can be accepted and housed in health offices.