- Saucon Valley School District
- Administration of Medication
Health & Wellness
Page Navigation
Administration of Medication
-
The Procedures outlined were developed according to the guidelines set forth by the Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Education. The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe and effective system for monitoring the administration of medication in school.
Requests for Medication Administration
1. Whenever possible, the parent/guardian should notify the school nurse in advance that the child will need medication. Medication will then be administered during school hours when the following conditions have been met.- The medication is prescribed or ordered by a physician and according to that order, the medication must be given during school hours. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- The parent/guardian and physician must complete and sign the medication dispensing instruction form.
- The medication must be sent to school in the original prescription container with a child-proof cap or in the container in which it was purchased, if it is an over-the-counter medication.
- When medication administration is initiated, the parent/guardian and school nurse will decide whether the student will self-administer the medication as supervised by a designated monitor. If self-administration is agreed upon, the parent/guardian will sign a permission.
2. Amounts of medication to send to school
- A 1-2 week supply of medication will be accepted for self-limited, acute illnesses.
- A 2-4 week supply is permissible for students with long-term chronic illnesses.
Delivery of Medication
1. The following procedure will be followed for the delivery of medication to the school nurse by the parent/guardian, responsible adult, or student:- In the absence of the school nurse or health room assistant, medication will be delivered to the school secretary.
- Medication received will be recorded on the back of the individual student medication administration log with the date and amount of medication delivered. This log will be signed by the person delivering and receiving the medication.
- When someone other than the parent/guardian brings the medication to school, it must be placed in a sealed envelope with a signed parent/guardian note indicating the amount of medication.
2. Students in grades K-5 who receive Ritalin, Dexedrine, Clonodine, or any other medication used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder may NOT bring their mediation to school. It must be delivered by an adult.
Although these guidelines may seem strict, teaching young children proper habits about handling and taking medication is an important educational tool in helping to prevent future drug abuse. If you have any questions regarding this policy or if you feel an exception should be made, please call the nurse anytime to discuss it.