General Medication Guidelines

Children who need to receive medications on a regular basis or keep medications at school for an emergency must send in a medication permission form, signed by the child’s pediatrician, along with the medication in the original pharmacy bottle. Only the nurse or a designated representative may dispense medications. Medication is kept in a locked area and all administration of medicine is recorded. For the safety of the children all medicines — prescription or otherwise – must be administered by our nurse (unless other arrangements are made with permission of the nurse and prescribing physician in consultation with the parent and student).

Student in grades K-6 will be called to take their medication if they forget, but special arrangements must be made with middle and upper school students who are prone to forget, as they are expected to come to the health room without being reminded. The school makes every reasonable effort to administer medications in a timely fashion, but final responsibility for dispensing rests with the parents.

Parents will be called when medications run low, but it is a parental responsibility to ensure their refill. Parents must notify the nurse if and when medication is changed or discontinued. Changes in medication must be accompanied by a physician’s note or direct call to the nurse. Verbal orders will be accepted by the nurse from a physician or nurse as long as written documentation follows.

Any medication taken at home on a regular basis can cause side effects or change the mechanism of other drug actions. Parents should inform the nurse of all medications a student takes at home so the student can best be served with a complete health profile. All medical information is considered confidential, with only the nurse and appropriate administrators having access.

Please remember that even non-prescription drugs have side effects and interactions which may be significant. The school nurse provides over-the-counter medications as deemed necessary to students, but any long-term or serious problems should be addressed by the student’s parents and physician. The school nurse is available to advise and assist in any areas where parents are unsure as to the nature and seriousness of a problem.

Repeat health room visits will be discussed with parents. Any health problem at school should be discussed with the school nurse.

Students suffering from minor colds or other illnesses, who are well enough to attend school, should be sent with tissues, cough drops and whatever other supplies they may need to remain comfortable and reduce time spent out of class.

We recommend that children with fevers above 100 degrees be kept home for 24 hours after the fever ends. Middle and upper school students who are tired are expected to stay in class — the health room is not generally available for quiet rest.