Bridgeport's Medication Guidelines
By Tammy Dean, RN, BSN
From the School Nurse
October 18, 2010
Your written consent is required prior to school personnel providing or administering medication to a child in school. By signing on the Medication Authorization Form (see below), you acknowledge the following:
• The school has a statement from the licensed prescriber which includes (1) the student’s name, (2) then name of the medication with dosage, frequency, and time of administration, (3) the date of the order (4) the date of discontinuation.
• Medications are to be presented in their original container with the prescription label intact. Most pharmacists will provide two containers; one labeled for school, the other for home use. Medications in bags or any other form of “home packaging” will not be accepted, due to safety considerations.
• The parent/guardian shall provide written authorization for school personnel to administer any medication during school hours. Authorization forms for medication administration may be obtained from the school nurse or school secretary.
• Parent/guardian authorization and/or prescriber’s statement is renewed annually. Changes in medication administration need to be accompanied with NEW authorization forms signed by the parent/guardian and licensed prescriber.
• Unused, discontinued, or outdated medications are returned to the parent/guardian. In the event medications are not collected by the parent/guardian at the end of the present school year (within 7 days), they shall be counted and cosigned by the school nurse and one other Medication Aide, and destroyed by the school nurse in accordance to state laws.
• If needed, the prescribing physician may be contacted by the school nurse for clarification on medication administration.
• Your child’s medication may be given by an unlicensed health Para educator, or by a nurse, or by other school health personnel deemed competent through training or supervision by the Registered School Nurse to provide medication as called for in BPS Medication Administration Guidelines.
• Parents/guardians are encouraged to provide two weeks’ supply of medication.
• The school nurse and prescribing physician have permission to communicate verbally and/or in writing regarding any questions or concerns about this medication and its administration at school.
OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION GUIDELINES
Because numerous over the counter products may be utilized in the school setting for personal hygiene, skin care, first aid, as well as for therapeutic purposes, such products are identified in three general categories for the purposes of describing authorization to administer.
Section ONE products are used without specific consent, and are provided by the school.
Section TWO products are provided by the parent, and written consent and instructions submitted by parent.
Section THREE products are provided by the school, but administered with written consent from parent.
SECTION ONE
Products that may be used in health office intermittently at discretion of health services staff: (products listed below are available in the health office and do not require parental consent prior to use)
Skin lotion, Dacriosee or isotonic saline eye solution, deodorant, Sting-kill swabs, Vaseline, Chapstick, generic "Triple" topical antibiotic ointment, aloe gel, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, hydrocortisone 1% topical, topical diphenhydramine (Benadryl), saline/wetting solution for contact lens, Bactine antiseptic solution, teething gel, non-prescription cough drops, TUMS
SECTION TWO
Products that may be used at parent request - intermittently or continuously: (parent provides supplies in original, labeled container and signed written instructions for use of product while student at school)
Non-prescription antiseptic products not listed in Section ONE (above)
SECTION THREE
Products provided by the school but administered only with parents permission:
Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen
