The act of administering medication to students constitutes the practice of medicine. The Board of Education recognizes that the law authorizes school administrators, teachers, and other designated employees to administer medication when requested in writing by a parent, guardian, or adult student and in accordance with the written instructions and signature of the student's licensed prescriber. Medications include prescription, non-prescription and herbal remedies that may be taken by mouth, rectally, inhaled, injected or applied via other routes such as the eyes, ears, nose, or skin.
All employees administering medications must satisfactorily complete training provided by a school nurse prior to administering medications to students. Student nurses administering medications will complete training provided by a school nurse and remain under the direct supervision of the school nurse throughout administration of student medications.
Self-administration/possession of medications is allowed in compliance with the rules of this policy and at the discretion of the school nurse. Self-administration means that the pupil is able to consume or apply medications in a manner directed by the licensed prescriber without additional assistance or direction. Self-possession means that the pupil may carry medication on his/her person to allow for immediate and self-determined administration.