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Section J - Students

Regulation Title: Administering Medicines to Students
Regulation Code: JLCD-R
Lead Department: Health Services

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Medication administration at school is a delegated request from parents. Anytime a new medication is given to a student, the school nurse or the triage nurse must be consulted and approve the giving of the medication. The principal or designee may designate staff to give medication following an orientation to the rules and guidelines for administering medication at school by the School Nurse. With the exception of the self administration of specific medications identified below, all medications must be administered by designated school personnel.

Prescription medications

  • Board of Pharmacy approved prescription medication may be administered pursuant to the student's personal physician's orders or approved pursuant to the standing orders from the TUSD Medical Consultant.
  • The parent is requested to bring the medication to the Health Office to ensure safe delivery.
  • Each medication brought to school requires a pharmacy labeled bottle.
  • A TUSD medication permit will be completed by the parent or guardian. Exhibit # JLCD - E
  • The person administering the medication will document the time given and their initials on the TUSD Student Medication Record.
  • Medications will be kept in a locked cabinet.

Over the counter medications

  • A physician may prescribe an over the counter medication
  • Over the counter medication may also be given pursuant to grade specific Standing Orders issued by the TUSD Medical Consultant. If possible, verbal/written (written preferred) authorization by the parent or guardian should be obtained before administration. School Nurse needs to be consulted before administration.
  • Over the counter medication must be in the original container.
  • The following medications may be administered for symptomatic management of intermittent minor illnesses without a physician's prescription for a duration of three (3) days provided the school nurse is consulted regarding advisability of giving the medication and a TUSD Medication Permit is signed by the parent or guardian.
    • an analgesic,
    • a decongestant/cough medication,
    • an antihistamine including eye drops
  • Administration of all medication will be documented on the TUSD Student Medication Record

Self administration of rescue and emergency medications
Prescription medications which have been identified by state law as being approved for self administration may be self administered by the student following receipt of written parent permission. Students whose parents have approved self administration of prescription medication allowed by state law will consult health services to verify expectation regarding the use of the medication and will have a written emergency action plan on file. The following prescriptions for self administration are presently allowed by State law.

  • Inhaler devices
  • Auto injectable epinephrine (adrenalin)
  • Insulin

Narcotic prescriptions
TUSD Health Services discourages the acceptance/administration of narcotic medications at school as they cause extreme drowsiness and may decrease one's ability to focus and learn. They are also controlled substances and call for heightened security. The TUSD Medical Consultant and Director of Health Services require a set of guidelines to be followed as outlined in the Health Services Manual.

Field Trips
Prescription medications must be in a pharmacy container labeled with student's name, date, medication, dose, time to be taken at school. Birth control and over the counter medication may be carried by the student with a note from the parent directing the use and possession of the medication.

Reviewed: April 21, 2006 (Friday Report)

Legal Ref: A.R.S. 15-344
32-1901 Definitions. (Nonprescription drug or over the counter drug)

Cross Ref: IJOA - Field Trips

Replaces TUSD Regulation # 5504 Administration of Medication at School