The needs of children who require medication during school hours should be met in a safe and prudent manner. It is the responsibility of NRCA and the school nurse to ensure that medications are administered according to state laws, local written policies, and procedures and professional standards.
Standard
All medications administered by school personnel during school hours must be prescribed by a licensed health care provider. (General Statutes of North Carolina Chapter 115C-307)
All medication administered by school personnel must have a written request permission signed by the parent or legal guardian. (General Statutes of North Carolina Chapter 115-307)
Parents Responsibility
1. Provide a written request for school personnel to administered the doctor prescribed
medication, including over the counter medication.
2. Complete the authorization form, which includes the following:
Name of Child
Name of medication
Date it was prescribed
Dosage
How the medication is to be given
When the medicine is to be given
Special instructions
Expiration date
Possible side effects
Possible adverse reactions
Name of the health care provider and how to locate or communicate with him or he
if necessary
3. Provide each medication in a separate pharmacy-labeled container that includes the
child’s name, name of medication, the exact does to be given, the number of doses in
the container, the time the medication is to be given, and how it is to be administered.
NOTE: Parents should request that the pharmacist provide two labeled
containers, one for home use and one for school use, if a child needs to be given
medication both at home and at school.
4. Provide the school with new, labeled containers when dosage or medication changes
are prescribed.
5. Remove all unused medication from school when medication are discontinued or at
end of school year. Any medication left after the last day of school will be discarded.
6. Maintain communication with the school nurse regarding any changes in the medical
treatment and child’s needs at school.
7. All over the counter medication must be in the original unopened container with the
child’s name.
