MEDICATION PROCEDURE

PRESCRIPTION AND NON-PRESCRIPTION MedicineS ADMINISTERED AT SCHOOL

Oral or Topical  Medicines at School

Pursuant to Francis Howell School District Policy,  the giving of prescription and non-prescription medicine by the nurse,  principal or the designee shall be restricted to necessary medication that cannot be given on an alternative schedule.

I. Prescription medicine:

            1.  Must be accompanied by a label affixed by a pharmacy or physician      showing:

                        a. Name of student 

                        b. Total daily dosage and schedule of administration

                        c. Date purchased

                        d. Physician's name

                        e. Name of medication

            2. Must have a written  physician’s order.

3.  A parent/guardian must request in writing that the District comply with the authorized prescriber’s request to give medication.  (The District will not administer the initial dose of any new prescription except in an emergency).

            4. Any changes to a medication dosage must be accompanied by an updated     Rx prescription label.  No outdated medication prescription label will be     accepted.  Each new prescription must have a new label and vial.

5. This authorization is effective for the school year for which it is granted and must be renewed annually.

II.  Non-prescription medicine:

                  1. Must be in the original container.

2. Must have a written order, signed by the physician or advance practice nurse, stating the name of the medication, the name of the child, dosage and schedule of administration and reason for giving the medication.  When possible, the prescriber should state potential adverse effects and applicable emergency instructions.

                  3.   A parent/guardian must provide a  written request that the district      comply with the authorized prescriber’s request to give medication.

                  4. The only exceptions to this procedure are delineated in the sections      entitled Self-Administration of Medication and Non-prescription      Stocked Medication for Secondary and High School Students.

                  5. This authorization is effective for the school year for which it is      granted and must be renewed annually.
 
 
 

III.  Emergency Medication
 

Written standing orders will be obtained annually for the administration of emergency medication.

IV. Parent/Guardian Administration

In situations where the parent/guardian chooses, the parent/guardian may come to school to administer medicine to his/her child.

V. Self-Administration of  Inhaled Respiratory Medication/AutoInjector

Students with asthma or any potentially life-threatening respiratory illness/Allergy may carry with them for self-administration metered-dose inhalers/injectors containing “rescue” medication.  Possession and self-administration of these prescription medications must comply with §167.627 RSMo.  (2006)
 

VI. Application of Nurse’s Professional Judgment

The administration of medication, including over-the-counter medications, is a nursing activity, governed by the State of Missouri Nurse Practice Act.  It must be performed by the registered professional nurse.  The nurse may delegate and supervise the administration of medication by unlicensed personnel who are qualified by education, knowledge and skill to do so.  The registered nurse must provide and document the requisite education, training, and competency verification.