AR 5141.21Administering Medication

Procedures for the safe and timely administration of medication to students while at school shall incorporate the following:

1. For students in Grades K–8
   
   1. A signed medication request form must be on file in the nurse’s office. (Refer to the Health Services Manual for appropriate use and information on medication forms.)
   2. Medication dispensed by the nurse or other school employees must be secured in a locked cabinet. Students will be allowed to carry asthma inhalers and anaphylaxis medication with health provider, parent, administrator and school nurse approval as well as student written agreement.
2. For students in Grades 9–12
   
   1. For prescription medication, a signed medication form must be on file. Medication dispensed by the nurse or other school employees must be secured in a locked cabinet. Students will be allowed to carry asthma inhalers, antibiotics, diabetic medications and other approved medications with parent, administrator and school nurse approval.
   2. For over-the-counter (OTC) medications, students may be allowed to carry common, recognizable OTC medications under the following conditions:
      
      1. The medication must be in its original container.
      2. The medication container is of small size or holds only a reasonable supply.
      3. The medication container contains only the medication identified on its label.
      4. The OTC medication is used for self-medication only. Under no condition is sharing with another student acceptable.
      5. The contents of the OTC container are available immediately upon request for viewing by school administration to determine compliance with this and other school policies.

Any questions regarding protocol or acceptability of medications should be directed to the school administrator or school nurse.

3. Training of unlicensed school personnel shall include the following:

1. The school nurse will use material approved by the State of Alaska Board of Nursing and the State of Alaska Division of Public Health to provide training for unlicensed school staff.
2. Training will be provided annually before October 1 and re-evaluation will occur at least every 90 days.
3. Documentation of the training will be kept by the school nurse.
4. The State of Alaska Board of Nursing states that the parent/guardian must designate the person(s) who may administer injectable medication, as well as p.r.n. (pro re nata "as needed") controlled substances in the nurse's absence.

4. A medication record (E 5141.21 (a)(b) and/or (c) shall be maintained and must include the student’s name, name of medication, dosage, time and initials of the person administering medication. A photo of the student may be placed on the long-term administration form.

All students taking medication during school hours are to follow the above procedures through the school nurse. Failure to do so releases the District of any liability resulting from incorrect or improper use of this medication.

Emergency Care and Medications

On-site provisions for first aid and emergency care shall be developed and made known to the staff at each school. These provisions should incorporate the following:

1. First Aid: The nurse or another identified, trained person(s) shall be responsible for administering first aid. The First Aid and Emergency Protocol (located in the Health Services Manual) shall be visibly posted and verbally identified in order to facilitate quick action.
2. Emergency Care: In emergencies, the nurse or Principal should make whatever arrangements are necessary for the immediate emergency care of injured or ill students. Every effort will be made to contact parents.
3. Incident Reports: The teacher or other staff member responsible for the child at the time of the incident shall complete a District Student/Visitor Injury/Incident Report (E 3530a).
4. Student Medical Records: Cumulative medical records shall include known information regarding allergies, current medications, medication reactions, medical conditions, immunizations and other pertinent information. If emergency medical treatment is necessary, a copy of this will be made available to the emergency personnel.
5. Sending a Student Home: A student who is ill or injured shall be released to a parent/guardian or, if not available, to a person the parent/guardian has identified as an emergency contact. Older students with a minor illness or injury may be sent home after receiving verbal parental permission. The name of the person granting permission should be documented.

Legal Reference

ALASKA STATUTES
14.30.141 Self-administration and documentation of medication