Medication and Health Guide | Responsibilities for Parents

Medication Regimen - EC 49423

The parent or legal guardian of any pupil taking medication on a regular basis must inform the school nurse, health clerk, or other contact person of the medication being taken, the current dosage, and the name of the supervising physician. With the consent of the parent or legal guardian, the school nurse may communicate with the physician and may counsel with the school personnel regarding the possible effects of the medication on the pupil.

Any pupil who is required to take, during the regular school day, medication prescribed by a physician or surgeon, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel or may carry and self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine or inhaled asthma medication if the school district receives a written statement of instructions from the physician detailing the method, amount and time schedules by which such medication is to be taken and a written statement from the parent or guardian requesting the school district assist the pupil with prescribed medication as set forth in the physician statement.

Parents/guardians must follow certain procedures if pupils need assistance from school personnel in taking medication. The procedures are as follows:

1. Return the Parent and Physician Medication Request form to your child’s school office. Must be renewed annually).
2. Bring the medication to the school in the prescription container.
3. The pharmacist’s label must indicate all of the following information:

• The full name of the student;
• The date;
• The name of the physician;
• The dosage of the medication;
• The time schedule of the medication; and,
• The method of administration of the medication

“Over-the-counter” medications, such as aspirin, will not be dispensed without a physician’s authorization.  Medication will be kept in a locked cabinet. If more than one medication is to be taken while at school, each prescription must be separately labeled with a separate medication authorization form for each prescription.  Students are not allowed to have items such as aspirin, cough drops, etc. in their possession. Parents/Guardians should probably keep their child home when he/she has any of the following symptoms:

• • Fever (over 100º F, or 37.8º C)
  • Vomiting (more than once)
  • Frequent diarrhea
  • Frequent Cough
  • Widespread rash (call doctor immediately if rash is with fever)
  • Earache
  • Toothache

Contact your doctor as soon as possible, so that appropriate treatment can begin.  Children should not be kept home for looking sick, poor color, circles under the eyes, or tiredness.  Please note that if your child is absent 10 or more days during the school year he/she may suffer academically and is considered to have an attendance issue.  The following suggestions will improve your child’s ability to learn while in school:

• • Children should get 8 – 10 hours of sleep each night
  • Children need a nutritious breakfast
  • Good hygiene is essential to good health and self-esteem
  • Washing hands with antibacterial soap often to eliminate the spread of germs
  • Avoid exposure to others who are sick
    
    

Parent Responsibilities

• • Have a doctor fill out the prescription form completely
  • Parent/guardian must sign and date the prescription form
  • Parent/guardian must bring prescription and medication to the school office staff
  • Medication must be in the properly labeled containers with the same orders as noted on the prescription form
  • An accurate measuring spoon must be provided, if medication is in liquid form
  • Parent/guardian must bring any change in prescriptions or medications in writing from the doctor
  • Parent/guardian must pick up any unused medication at the end of the school year.
  • New authorizations are required at the beginning of each school year