Medication Administration and Authorization

Medication Administration and Authorization

A written medication order from an authorized prescriber and a signed medication authorization form are required for school nurses or, in the absence of a nurse, other designated personnel, to administer medication, including over-the-counter drugs. All medications must be in the original, properly labeled container and dispensed by a physician or pharmacist. Over-the-counter medications must be delivered in an unopened, properly labeled container.

School nurses are not available to provide health services before or after regularly scheduled school hours. Emergency medication will not be available beyond the regular school day. If your child has a life-threatening allergy or a medical condition requiring emergency medication, and will be participating in a Board of Education interscholastic athletic event or club outside regular school hours, please contact the school nurse so that appropriate accommodations and an individual medication plan can be arranged.

Students are not permitted to carry any medication in school, including over-the-counter drugs, unless they have the written medication authorization described above. Generally, students are only permitted to self-administer rescue or emergency medications, such as EpiPens and asthma inhalers. Self-administration of other non-controlled drugs may be approved under specific circumstances. The self-administration and self-carry section on the medication authorization form must be signed, approved, and on file in the health office before a student may carry their own medication. Students with a self-administration plan must keep the medication on or with them at all times; it is unsafe to leave medication in a locker or a car.

Public Act 14-176 (“An Act Concerning the Storage and Administration of Epinephrine at Public Schools”) requires the administration of epinephrine as emergency first aid to students experiencing an allergic reaction, even if the student does not have parental authorization or a prescriber’s order. In the absence of the school nurse, epinephrine may be administered by qualified personnel who have completed the required training.

Public Act 22-80 (“An Act Concerning Childhood Mental and Physical Health Services in Schools”) requires the administration of an opioid antagonist on an emergency basis, without prior written authorization, to students experiencing opioid-related overdoses, provided certain requirements are met. By law, an opioid antagonist refers to naloxone hydrochloride (e.g., Narcan) or any FDA-approved equivalent. In the absence of the school nurse, opioid antagonists may be administered by qualified personnel who have completed the required training.

Parents or guardians must notify the school nurse in writing annually if they refuse to have epinephrine and/or an opioid antagonist administered to their child as emergency first aid by the school nurse or, in the nurse’s absence, by qualified personnel.

Helpful Links

• Medication Authorization Form
• Extended Field Trip Medication Authorization Form