REMINDER: PARENT INFORMATION ABOUT
MEDICATION PROCEDURES
1. In no case may any health, school, or staff member administer any medication outside the framework of the procedures outlined here in the Office of Catholic Schools Policies and Guidelines and Virginia School Health Guidelines manual.
2. Schools do NOT provide medications for student use.
3. Medications should be taken at home whenever possible. The first dose of any new medication must be given at home to ensure the student does not have a negative reaction.
4. Medication forms are required for each Prescription and Over the Counter (OTC) medication administered in school.
5. All medication taken in school must have a parent/guardian signed authorization. Prescription medications, herbals and OTC medications taken for 4 or more consecutive days also require a licensed healthcare provider’s (LHCP) written order. No medication will be accepted by school personnel without the accompanying complete and appropriate medication authorization form.
6. The parent or guardian must transport medications to and from school. Students are not supposed to carry medication to school in their backpack
7. Medication must be kept in the school health office, or other principal approved location, during the school day. All medication will be stored in a locked cabinet or refrigerator, within a locked area, accessible only to authorized personnel, unless the student has prior written approval to self-carry (this is on a case by case basis) a medication (inhaler, Epi-pen). If the student self carries, it is advised that a backup medication be kept in the clinic.
8. Parents/guardians are responsible for submitting a new medication authorization form to the school at the start of the school year and each time there is a change in the dosage or the time of medication administration.
9. A Licensed Health Care Provider (LHCP) may use office stationery, prescription pad or other appropriate documentation in lieu of completing Part II. The following information written in lay language with no abbreviations must be included and attached to this medication administration form. Signed faxes are acceptable.
a. Student name
b. Date of Birth
c. Diagnosis
d. Signs or symptoms
e. Name of medication to be given in school
f. Exact dosage to be taken in school
g. Route of medication
h. Time and frequency to give medications, as well as exact time interval for additional dosages.
i. Sequence in which two or more medications are to be administered
j. Common side effects
k. Duration of medication order or effective start and end dates
l. LHCP’s name, signature and telephone number
m. Date of order
10. All prescription medications, including physician’s samples, must be in their original containers and labeled by a LHCP or pharmacist. Medication must not exceed its expiration date.
11. All Over the Counter (OTC) medication must be in the original, small, sealed container with the name of the medication and expiration date clearly visible. Parents/guardians must label the original container of the OTC with:
a. Name of student
b. Exact dosage to be taken in school
c. Frequency or time interval dosage is to be administered
12. The student is to come to the clinic or a predetermined location at the prescribed time to receive medication. Parents must develop a plan with the student to ensure compliance. Medication will be given no more than one half hour before or after the prescribed time.
13. Students are NOT permitted to self medicate. The school does not assume responsibility for medication taken independently by the student. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for students who demonstrate the capability to self-administer emergency life saving medications (e.g. inhaler, Epi-pen)
14. Within one week after expiration of the effective date on the order, or on the last day of school, the parent or guardian must personally collect any unused portion of the medication. Medications not claimed within that period will be destroyed.
