Medications
Administration of Medication and Procedures
It is best to give your child any prescription medicine at home. However, there are times a child may need to be given a prescription medication during school hours. School personnel may not administer medication that should have been given to the child at home prior to starting the school day unless it has been determined to be essential to be given at school. School personnel will only administer medication at the designated time as directed by the medical provider and the parent.
MPS authorized personnel may administer prescription medications only if a parent/guardian has submitted a completed Medication/Procedure Permission and Instruction Form. This form includes clear instructions from the doctor, including but not limited to the type of medication to be given, the dosage, the doctor’s signature, and your written consent. Students who need medical procedures at school also need a completed form. The school has the right to refuse the administration of prescribed medications for your child or to stop providing your child with prescription medication if the regulations and policies are not followed.
Nonprescription Medication
Your child can be given nonprescription medication such as cough syrup or pain relievers only if you give written permission. The exception to this practice is that the district may administer albuterol, Tylenol®/acetaminophen, and ibuprofen with parent permission based on the medical advisor’s orders when the nurse is available. Other medications are to be turned in to the school office or may be kept in the classroom, provided the teacher designates a safe storage place.
Inhalers and Injectables
If your child needs to carry an inhaler or injectable epinephrine, a Medication/Procedure Permission and Instruction Form must be provided to the school, and you must sign and submit a Release Form for the inhaler and epinephrine use. Younger children (under 7 years old) must show that they are properly trained and understand the importance of proper handling and use of the inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector. If a child does not properly manage his/her own inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector, regardless of his/her age, the inhaler and epinephrine will be taken from the student and stored in the nurse’s office or the main office. The child’s parent will be notified of the change. If your child needs any non-oral medication during the school day, contact the school principal as soon as possible.
The Medication/Procedure Permission and Instruction Form is available in the school office or at mpsmke.com/nursing.
- If changes are made, such as dosage or time the dose is given, a new form must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian and child’s medical provider.
- If the prescribed medication is discontinued, the parent/guardian must bring in a discontinuation order written by the child’s medical provider or parent/guardian.
- The parent/guardian is responsible for the medication to be delivered to the school safely and that there is enough medication to follow the medical provider’s orders. Medications must be delivered by an adult. Please contact your school before delivering medications to arrange for curbside pick-up.
- All prescription medications must be in an original pharmacy container identifying the pharmacy, date the prescription was filled, the child’s name, medication name, dosage, time of day the medication is to be taken, and medical provider’s name.
- If your child appears to have a severe allergic reaction, epinephrine can be administered by the school nurse or trained school personnel.