Policy 5503

Student Welfare

Medications

Reviewed and affirmed by the Board:  6/28/2022
Last Revision: 
Original publish date: 05/25/2010
Related policies & regulations:  5480, 5503-1
Legal references:  79-249; 71-6718 to 6742; 79-224; 79-225; NDE Rule 59

 

Medication will be administered only in accordance with the Medication Aide Act. Medications will not be administered during school hours except as necessary to provide appropriate educational services. Parents/guardians are encouraged to have medications given at home by the parent or by other responsible parties identified by the parent.

 

The School District reserves the right to review and decline requests to administer or provide medications which are not consistent with standard pharmacological references, are prescribed in daily doses which exceed the dosage recommended by standard pharmacological references or which could be prescribed in a manner which would eliminate the need for giving medication during school hours. The School District may at any time consult with the student’s physician with regard to any medication prescribed by such physician.

 

A physician’s authorization and a parent/guardian request and authorization for the provision or administration of medication must be on file with the school prior to School District personnel providing or administering medication to a student. The only exceptions are as follows:

1. Emergencies, defined as situations when there is a need for immediate provision or administration of medication to preserve the health, safety and welfare of a student.
2. Non-prescription medications identified by the Department of Student Services from time to time as not requiring the authorization of a physician for administration or provision by school personnel, but only with prior written parent/guardian consent.
3. Non-prescription topical (non-systemically-acting) products typically used in school health offices as identified by the Department of Student Services as not requiring the prior authorization of parent/guardian or physician for occasional use for first aid and/or personal care purposes.

Medication which is to be provided or administered by School District personnel must be delivered to the school in the manufacturer’s or pharmacy container and be maintained in such container at all times. The container must be properly labeled, meaning that it must include the child’s name, physician’s name, the name of the drug and directions for provision or administration of the medication.