KokomoSchool Corporation

Creating a Better World Through Education

All medications shall be kept in a tamper-proof container or a secure location. Only nurses may receive and/or administer oral medications. The nurse who receives the medication shall count and record on the student’s medication log the number of pills received. If the pill(s) needs to be cut in half for administration, that should be done when the medication is received. The staff member who administers the medication should verify the student's name, medication name, dosage, time, and route of administration. A current PDR and/or Drug book shall be kept in the nurse's office for reference.

When PRESCRIPTION medications needs to be administered at school, the following procedure will be implemented:

1. All prescription medication(s) must be taken directly to the nurse’s office upon arrival to school. Parents of children in grade kindergarten through eight will transport the medication to and from the school. Students in grades nine through twelve may transport medication to school along with parent permission. Written permission from the parent is also required for medication to be released to the student in grades nine through twelve. Parents must pick up medications for their children in grade kindergarten through eight. Medications not picked up by 3:00 p.m. on the students last day of school will be destroyed.
2. The medication must be in the original prescription bottle, labeled with the student's name, doctor's name, medication name, dosage, and number of doses to be given daily, and the date ordered. The prescription label will qualify as the written order of the doctor.
3. No medication shall be administered without a written and dated consent of the parent or guardian. This note from the parent or guardian, which gives school personnel permission to administer the medication, must include the following: student's name, the time the medication is to be administered, the name of the medication, and the parent's signature. The note should also include the number of pills in the bottle. If there is a discrepancy, the nurse should notify the parent immediately.
4. The prescription label must be photocopied by the nurse and placed with the parent note. The nurse will then place a copy in the student's permanent record.
5. Document the administration of the medication with the time given and signature of the person who administered. The nurse shall provide a medication log for this purpose. The log must have the student’s name, medication name, route, the dosage to be given, time to be given. The student will also sign the log when he/she receives their medication. For students who are physically or mentally unable to sign, a teacher or para-professional will sign for them; however, the student must physically be present. When the medication is terminated or the log is full, the log will be filed in the student’s file.
6. If a medication is to be terminated prior to the date on the prescription, a written and dated withdrawal of consent from the parent is required. A parent may call the school to discontinue the medication; however, a written note must be sent the following day. Changes in medication(s) or dosage must be documented by written authorization of the doctor and parent or guardian.
7. Medication given less than four times daily need not be administered at school under most circumstances.
8. Written consent is valid only for the period specified on the consent form, and in no case longer than the current school or program year.
9. If a child forgets to take his/her morning dose of a prescription medication, which is also being given, at school, the parent may give consent via phone for school personnel to administer the missed dose, providing that the morning dosage is also on the prescription label. This would then be documented on the medication log.
10. Medication must be given within one hour either way of the prescribed time. For example, an 11:00am med may be given as early as 10:00am or as late as Noon.
11. Anytime a new supply of medication is received, the parent MUST complete a new medication permission slip.
12. The nurse will also make a daily flow sheet for all medications with student name and time of administration to ensure each child receives his medication in a timely fashion.

 When OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) medications are to be administered at school, the following guidelines shall be observed:

1. All OTC medications must be taken directly to the nurse's office upon arrival at school. Parents of children in grade kindergarten through eight will transport the medication to and from the school. Students in grades nine through twelve may transport medication to school along with parent permission. Written permission from the parent is required for medication to be returned to the student in grades nine through twelve. Parents must pick up medications for their children in grade kindergarten through eight. Medications not picked up by 3:00 p.m. on the students last of day school will be destroyed.
2. The medication must be kept in the original container with the ingredients listed and labeled with the student's name. The container shall be returned to the parent via the student when empty.
3. No medication will be administered without a written consent from the parent or guardian. The note must include the student's name, the name of the medication, the dosage, the time that the medication is to be administered, and the parent's signature. The note should also include the number of pills that are in the bottle. If there is a discrepancy, the nurse should notify the parent immediately. If authenticity of the note is questionable, parent contact should be made before administering the medication.
4. For PRN medications that will be given over the course of the school year, the nurse shall also make a medication log. The log must state the student’s name, medication name, administration route, dosage, and the time (i.e., every 4 hours as needed). The student and the nurse will sign the log when he/she receives their medication. For the student who is physically or mentally unable to sign, the para-professional or the teacher will sign; however, the student must be physically present. If the medication has not been effective within an hour of administration, the student should be sent back to the nurse. To prevent duplicating a dose of medication, in the first three hours of school, the parent must be contacted prior to administration of an as needed medication (i.e., Tylenol) for kindergarten through eighth grade students. If there is a question of reliability of the student grade nine through twelve, that parent should also be contacted prior to administration.
5. A note from the doctor will be required for OTC medications when such medications are not advisable for children. Examples include, but are not limited to: aspirin, certain cold elixirs, adult strength medication for children under 12 years of age, etc.. The person who is administering the medication should contact the school nurse if there is a question regarding medication.
6. The nurse may refuse to give an OTC medication that she determines is inappropriate for the circumstance. Examples include, but are not limited to: cough drops for Preschool students, a condition that may require physician treatment indicated, etc. The parent will be notified by phone with recommendation if possible.
7. All OTC medications given must be prior to the date of expiration listed on the original container.
8. Any time a new supply of OTC medication is received by the nurse, it must be accompanied by a new medication permission slip.
9. Written consent is valid only for the period specified on the consent form, and in no case longer than the current school or program year.