Medication Administration and Authorization

Medication Administration and Authorization

To ensure student safety, a written medication order from an authorized prescriber and a signed medication authorization form are required for the administration of any medication at school, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications. All medications must be provided in the original, properly labeled container/ Prescription medications must be labeled by a physician or pharmacist. Over-the-counter medications must be in an unopened, manufacturer-labeled container. Medication may be administered by the school nurse or, in the nurse’s absence, by trained and designated school personnel.

School nursing services are available during regular school hours only. Emergency medications are not accessible before or after the school day.  If your child has a life-threatening allergy or medical condition requiring emergency medication and will participate in a Board of Education–sponsored activity outside of school hours (e.g., athletics or clubs), please contact the school nurse to develop an appropriate plan.

Students may not carry medication in school without proper authorization.  Students are generally permitted to self-carry and self-administer emergency medications, such as epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPens) and asthma inhalers. Self-administration of other medications may be approved on a case-by-case basis. To self-carry medication, the self-administration section of the medication authorization form must be completed, signed, and on file in the health office.
Students must keep medication along with the medication authorization form with them at all times. Medications should not be stored in lockers, backpacks left unattended, or vehicles.

Epinephrine (Public Act 14-176): Epinephrine may be administered as emergency first aid to any student experiencing a severe allergic reaction, even without prior authorization. Trained school personnel may administer epinephrine in the absence of the school nurse.

Opioid Antagonists (Public Act 22-80): Naloxone (Narcan) or another FDA-approved opioid antagonist may be administered in response to a suspected opioid overdose, even without prior authorization. Trained school personnel may administer this medication when the school nurse is not present.

Parents/guardians who do not want their child to receive epinephrine and/or an opioid antagonist in an emergency must notify the school nurse in writing each school year.

Helpful Links

• Medication Authorization Form
• Extended Field Trip Medication Authorization Form