• NEW YORK STATE MEDICATION PROCEDURES:

    School nurses, principals, and other school personnel are constantly being asked to dispense internal medications to school children. Compliance with such requests, in addition to being contrary to good health practices, is contrary to regulations as outlined in the Nurse Practice Act and provisions of State Education Law.

    There are circumstances when, under specific regulations, a medication prescribed by a private physician, may be administered to a pupil during school hours. This is a program adjustment to meet the health needs of an individual.

    Certain facts must be established about the medication. It should be determined that the frequency of dosage demands that it be given during the hours when the child is in school. If it is a medication that can be administered one to three times a day, it is usually possible for the parent to take responsibility. If it is a medication that must be given at extremely frequent intervals, it is not responsible to expect that it can be handled efficiently in the school.

    Medication orders must be renewed annually or when there is a change in medication or dosage. Medication may be administered if it is accompanied by:

    1. The written order of your physician specifying diagnosis, medication, dosage, frequency, and the time element for administering it. The pharmacy label does not constitute a written order and can not be used in lieu of a written order from a licensed prescriber.

    AND

    2. A written statement from the parent or guardian requesting administration of the medication in school as ordered by the licensed prescriber.

    AND

    3. The parent or guardian must assume responsibility to have the medication delivered directly to the health office in a properly labeled and original container that clearly displays the student's name, date, prescriber, name of the medication, dosage, and frequency. Ask the pharmacist for two containers - one to remain at home - one at school.