The administration of medication at school is permitted only when necessary to support a student’s health and allow participation in the school day. Whenever possible, medications should be administered outside school hours. Medications will be administered by the school nurse or another designated staff in accordance with proper authorization and documentation. Authorization Requirements If a parent/guardian wishes for medication (whether prescription or over-the-counter) to be administered during school hours, a completed Prescription and/or Over-the-Counter Medication in School Form must be submitted annually. This form must be signed by both the parent/guardian and a licensed California healthcare provider. No exceptions will be made to this requirement. Medications will not be administered without the required documentation on file. If the form is not submitted, a parent/guardian must come to school to administer the medication in person. In addition, students with food allergies and anaphylaxis must have a completed and physician-signed Anaphylaxis Care Plan Form on file.
Medication Storage and Transport
All medications must be brought to school by a parent/guardian, or adult designee. Students are not permitted to transport medications. Medications must be provided in their original, pharmacy-labeled containers. All medications will be securely stored in a locked cabinet in the nurse’s office. Controlled substances will be counted and logged in the presence of the parent or guardian upon receipt, and each dose administered will be recorded in the student’s electronic health record.
Student Possession of Medications
For the safety of all students, no student is permitted to carry medication in a backpack or on their person. This includes over-the-counter items such as cough drops, lozenges, or topical creams. The only exceptions to this rule are emergency medications (e.g., EpiPens, inhalers, insulin/glucagon) with written authorization from both a physician and a parent/guardian.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
All medications must be brought to school by a parent/guardian or adult designee. Students are not permitted to transport medications. Medications must be provided in their original, pharmacy-labeled containers. All medications will be securely stored in a locked cabinet in the nurse’s office. Controlled substances will be counted and logged in the presence of the parent/guardian upon receipt, and each dose administered will be recorded in the student’s electronic health record.
End-of-Year Medication Procedures
All medications must be picked up by a parent/guardian or adult designee by the last day of school. Medications will not be sent home with students. Any medications left at school after the final day will be disposed of according to state regulations.
Forms Related to Medication Policy:
