Medications at School

📋 Guidelines for Administration of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

1. Initial Interventions Prior to Medication

OTC medications should be considered only after non-pharmaceutical interventions have been attempted. Appropriate alternatives include:

• Providing water for hydration

• Offering a nutritious snack

• Allowing a brief period of rest

Following any intervention, the student should return to class. If symptoms persist and the student returns, OTC medication may be considered.

2. Authorization Protocols for Health Assistants and ULPs

ULP/HA may administer over-the-counter (OTC) medications only if both of the following is documented:

•  If a parent/guardian grants permission via telephone, this constitutes a delegated assessment and approval for medication administration. 

• Approved used noted in School Care system or a completed OTC Medication Administration Form.  

When Verbal Contact Cannot Be Established:

• The Nurse Manager must be contacted if OTC medication is approved in School Care or a completed OTC Medication Administration Form is on file but verbal permission is not obtained.

• The Nurse Manager will conduct the assessment and provide delegation for medication administration.

3. Documentation Requirements

All parental permissions must be documented in School Care using the following format:

• Details to Record:

  • Full name of the parent/guardian contacted

  • Date and time of the communication

  • Name and dosage of medication to be administered

  • Summary of the conversation and nature of the permission granted

4. When No Permission Is Documented

If OTC permissions are not visible in School Care or OTC Medication Form filled out:

• OTC medications must not be administered.

• The parent/guardian must be instructed to:

  • Update the OTC approval list in School Care, or

  • Submit a completed OTC Medication Administration Form, or

  • Submit a completed Health History Form with the completed OTC medication section

Upon receipt, scant the form into school care and send the name of the student to the Nurse Manager for proper documentation and activation of administration rights.

📋 Student Medication Protocol

To ensure the safe and effective administration of medications within the school setting, the following procedures must be adhered to:

1. Medication Delivery

• All medications must be delivered in person by a parent or legal guardian. Medications sent with students will not be accepted under any circumstance.

• If a student brings medication to school: It will be stored securely in the health office medication room, and the parent or guardian will be notified to retrieve it.

• Even if all required forms for administration are already on file: The parent or guardian must still come in person to sign the Medication Inventory Log before the medication can be used.

2. Inventory and Documentation

Upon delivery, medications must be counted in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. An official medication inventory log must be completed and signed before any medications will be administered.

3. Container Requirements

All prescription medications must be presented in the original pharmacy-labeled container. Parents may request an additional "school bottle" from their pharmacy for this purpose. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications must also be provided in their original manufacturer packaging.

4. End-of-Year Pick-Up

All medications must be retrieved by a parent or legal guardian no later than the final student contact day of the academic year. Unclaimed medications will be disposed of in accordance with school district policy.

5. Over-the-Counter Medications

Only the following OTC medications may be administered by the school nurse or designated, trained school personnel:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)

• Ibuprofen (Motrin®)

• Zyrtec

• Calcium carbonate (TUMS®)

Parental consent must be provided annually via either the student's health enrollment in SchoolCare® or completion of the district OTC authorization form.

6. Authorization for Other OTC Medications

OTC medications not listed above may be administered only under the following conditions:

• A licensed healthcare provider must complete a Long-Term Prescription Medication Authorization Form (for use exceeding 10 days) or a Short-Term Medication Form (for use 10 days or fewer).

• The parent/guardian must supply the medication in its original container.

Nonprescription Medication Guidelines by School Level

Elementary School Nonprescription medications shall not be self-administered by elementary students while on school premises, unless specifically authorized in writing by both a licensed physician/medical provider and the student's parent or legal guardian. Prior to administration by the school nurse, verbal or written consent from the parent/guardian must be obtained. Additionally, the nonprescription medication must be included in the district medical advisor’s approved standing orders.

Middle School Middle school students may self-administer nonprescription medications provided the following conditions are met:

• The medication is contained within its original packaging.

• Only the dosage required for that specific school day is brought to school.

The school nurse is permitted to administer nonprescription medications that are either:

• Listed in the approved standing orders from the district’s medical advisor, or

• Authorized through prior written or verbal consent from the parent/guardian.

High School High school students are permitted to self-administer nonprescription medications under the following guidelines:

• Medications must remain in their original containers.

The school nurse may administer nonprescription medications that either:

• Appear on the approved standing orders from the district’s medical advisor, or

• Have been cleared through written or verbal permission from the student’s parent/guardian.

Medication Administration Delegation Protocol PDF

Admin Regulations PDF