Authorization For Medication During School Hours Procedures

Medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal or homeopathic supplements, oils and/or vitamins should not be administered in school unless absolutely necessary.  If it is crucial for your child to take medication during the school day, please refer to the following procedures/guidelines:

1. Students are not permitted to possess prescription medication or over-the-counter medication at any time during the school day or at school activities/functions. 

2. Students are permitted to carry asthma inhalers or EpiPens with written authorization from the authorized prescriber, the parent/guardian and the certified school nurse.  

3. The medication must be submitted to the school nurse with the completed Medication Procedures and Authorization for Medication During School Hours forms.

4. The Authorization for Medication During School Hours form must state the following:

• Necessity of the medication (diagnosis)
• Name of the medication
• Medication dosage 
• Time the medication is to be administered (frequency and expected duration)
• Side effects of the medication

5. The Authorization for Medication During School Hours form must be signed by both the student’s physician and the student’s parent/guardian. 

6. The Authorization for Medication During School Hours form is valid for one school year. The school year begins on July 1st. The Authorization for Medication During School Hours form must be signed by the student’s physician on or after July 1st of the current school year.

7. If the dose or time of the medication changes during the school year, a new Authorization for Medication During School Hours form will be required. 

8. All medication must be brought to the school by a parent/guardian. Medication may not be transported to and from school by the student.   

9. Prescription medication must be supplied in the original container and properly labeled by a registered pharmacist or licensed physician. Non-prescription medication must be in the original container with the label intact. 

10. The first dose of any new medication will not be given in school for your child’s safety. 

11. Any chemical substance whose manufacturing and distribution process is not approved by the FDA will not be administered during school hours by the nursing staff.  

12. If the school delays opening or dismisses early, your child's medication will not be given unless special arrangements are made with the school nurse. 

13. Students are expected to report to the health room at the prescribed time of administration. 

14. For any student requiring medication on a school-sponsored field trip, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to contact the school nurse to plan for proper administration of medication on the trip. Medication will not automatically be sent on field trips.  

15. All student medication remaining in the health room at the end of the school year must be picked up by the student’s parent/guardian and will not be sent home with the student. Unused medication must be picked up by the last day of school or it will be discarded.

***ANY MEDICATION THAT IS NOT BROUGHT TO SCHOOL BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN, IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER, AND DOES NOT HAVE REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION WILL NOT BE ADMINISTERED.