Medications in School

In order to administer medication to students during the school day, the district must adhere to the following requirements mandated by New York State.

1. Written Prescriber Order

The school nurse must have a written order from the student's prescriber for all prescription and nonprescription medications. Written orders should minimally include:

• Student's name and date of birth
• Name of medication
• Dosage and route of administration
• Frequency and time of administration
• For as needed medications, conditions under which medication should be administered
• Date written
• Prescriber's name, title, signature and phone number

2. Written Parent/Guardian Request

The school nurse must have a written request to administer medications from the student's parent/guardian. Verbal requests cannot be accepted.

3. Order Renewal

Medication orders must be renewed annually or when there is a change in medication or dosage. The pharmacy label does not constitute a written order and cannot be used in lieu of a written order from a licensed prescriber.

4. Delivery

Medication should be delivered to the school nurse by the student's parent/guardian in the original prescription bottle. Over-the-counter medication must come in the original, unopened container/package with the students name affixed to the container. All medication will be kept in the school nurse’s office. No medication should be sent to the school nurse with the student. The only exception would be if the student has an order on file from their provider that they may self-administer and self-carry their asthma inhaler, diabetic supplies or EpiPen due to the severity of the allergy. The temptation to share medication or the possibility that medication may be lost and fall into the hands of another student is a real danger.

5. Report a Change

Parents/guardians should immediately report any changes to medication or treatment to the school nurse. A prescriber order noting the change should also be sent to the nurse.