South Burlington School District Health Services

The South Burlington School Board recognizes that many children are able to attend school regularly because of the effective use of medication in the treatment of acute and chronic disabilities or illnesses.

When possible, medication should be administered in the home. Any student required to take medication while attending school is required to do so strictly in compliance with this policy.

For students under the age of 16 years, all prescription medications must be provided to the school nurse by an adult, in the original container, appropriately labeled by the pharmacy. Students over the age of 16 years may bring prescription medications, except controlled-schedule 2 drugs, to the school nurse in the original container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy.

All prescribed controlled-schedule 2 drugs as listed in the Federal DEA Regulations must be delivered to the school nurse by the student’s parent/guardian or another responsible adult. All such drugs shall be retained in the custody of the school nurse or his/her designee, and shall be administered by the school nurse.

Students who need to self-administer other medication while at school may carry such medication (e.g., asthma inhalers, insulin, severe allergic reaction injections – Epi-Pen and anti-convulsives). Students may self-administer this medication under the supervision of assigned school personnel, provided the following conditions are met: (1) the student is physically, mentally, and behaviorally capable, in the written opinion of the parent, physician, and the school nurse, to assume that responsibility; (2) the medication is necessary to the student’s health and must be taken during school hours; (3) written physician orders are on file with the school nurse; (4) the student has successfully demonstrated self-administration of the medication to the school nurse; and (5) supervision is provided by the school nurse, or by designated school personnel.

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES

1. Written orders from a physician must be submitted to the school nurse detailing the name of the student, the prescribed drug, dosage, reason for giving, and time medication is to be taken. These orders must be received by the school nurse before the medication can be given.

2. Written permission from the parent or guardian requesting that the school district comply with the physician’s order must be submitted to the school nurse.

3. Non-prescription medication must be in its original container and will be administered only after written permission from the parent/guardian is submitted to the school nurse. This will be for short-term use only. Ongoing use of non-prescription medication will require written orders from a physician. Non-prescription medication must be left at the health office.

4. Medication must be stored in a locked cabinet in the health office. If refrigeration is required, medication shall be kept in a secure location in the health office. Self-administered medications may be retained by the student under the conditions specified by the school nurse.

5. Unused medication shall be returned to parent/guardian for disposition, or destroyed appropriately.

6. Any long-term prescription order must be renewed at the beginning of each school year.

7. All medication will be administered in accordance with the Vermont School Health Services: Standards of Practice Manual 1999. (Appendices #36A, #36B)

8. After consultation with the principal or administrator responsible for a given school, the school nurse shall select, train and supervise the specific individuals, who may be designated to administer prescription medications. When necessary the school nurse may rescind such selection.

9. It is the responsibility of the school nurse to maintain communication with the student, parent/guardian, and physician regarding the efficacy of any administered medication.

SBSD Health Services Home Page

SBSD Home Page

Last Updated: May 12, 2005

Questions? Email Kara Cassani