Medications

1. Medication administration in schools is a complex issue therefore the licensed school nurse/registered nurse will lead the development of school district policies and procedures which include the medication program considering supervision, delegation, assignment, administration, and documentation in accordance with the Minnesota Guidelines for Medication Administration in Schools.  School administrators are accountable for implementing the medication administration guidelines in conjunction with the licensed school nurse/registered nurse.

2. All prescription and over-the-counter medications such as a handheld inhaler, nebulizer inhalation solution, epinephrine injectable pen, insulin pen, seizure, ointment, tablet, chewable or liquid that a parent would like to have administered to their child while in school must be provided in its original container with the most current pharmacy label and dosing instructions attached.

3. Prior to the administering of any medication during the school day, the parent/guardian will complete the following forms for review by the licensed school nurse/registered nurse,

   1. Authorization for Administration of Medication at School

   2. Asthma Inhaler Administration Authorization Form (as applicable)

   3. Consent for Release/Exchange of Information

4. The licensed school nurse/registered nurse will review all medication and permission forms for completeness. The licensed school nurse/registered nurse will review all stored medications for current or expired medications and coordinate with parent/guardian to obtain refills or renewed medications and disposal. All medications will be stored in a locked and secure location in the District Office.

5. In order to verify that delegated school health services staff, office staff or paraprofessionals can perform the activity of administering prescription and over the counter medications safely, annual medication administration training with the licensed school nurse/registered nurse must occur prior to administering medications.  The medication administration training includes the Six Rights of medication administration, documentation, and medication errors or refusal to take medications. A record of completion of the annual training will be maintained by the licensed school nurse/registered nurse and the District Office.

6. Students that self-carry medications are required to meet with the licensed school nurse/registered nurse or delegated trained staff prior to self-carrying in order to review self-administration technique and safety concerns.

Field Trip medication protocol

1. Advisors or designated chaperones attending school field trips may administer student medication without completing formal medication administration training, provided they have written permission from the student’s parent or guardian and are given clear instructions regarding dosage and administration prior to the trip.

Over-the-counter pain relievers

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are frequently requested by students.

2. Upon a student request the licensed school nurse/registered nurse or delegated trained staff will ensure the parent or guardian has authorized  the district to administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin).

1. Emergency Action Plan/Student Health Plan

   1. If a student has a health concern that could manifest into an emergency situation, such as an acute allergy or if a student is diagnosed with a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, seizures or heart condition, it is necessary to be prepared to appropriately respond to prevent harm or injury.

   2. The licensed school nurse/registered nurse facilitates the development of a health plan and/or emergency action plan in conjunction with the student, student’s parents/guardian, dean of students, principal or designee and primary healthcare provider. The licensed school nurse/registered nurse will review and update the health plan and/or emergency action plan a minimum of annually.

   3. The health plan and/or emergency action plan will include a minimum of the following;

      1. steps to take to prevent harm and/or injury

      2. current parent/guardian phone numbers to call as directed

      3. allergies to medications

      4. routine medications

   4. The health plan and/or emergency action plan is kept with the licensed school nurse/registered nurse and the District Office in the student records. The health plan and/or emergency action plan is shared with the appropriate staff as the student advances through elementary school and high school, participates in extracurricular activities, field trips and class trips.