Cedar Springs Public School District
Bylaws & Policies
 

5330 - USE OF MEDICATIONS

The Board of Education shall not be responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of student illness. The administration of prescribed medication and/or medically-prescribed treatments to a student during school hours will be permitted only when failure to do so would jeopardize the health of the student, the student would not be able to attend school if the medication or treatment were not made available during school hours, or the child is disabled and requires medication to benefit from his/her educational program.

For purposes of this policy, "medication" shall include all medicines including those prescribed by a physician and any nonprescribed (over-the-counter) drugs, preparations, and/or remedies. "Treatment" refers both to the manner in which a medication is administered and to health-care procedures which require special training, such as catheterization.

Before any prescribed medication or treatment may be administered to any student during school hours, the Board shall require the written prescription from the child's physician accompanied by the written authorization of the parent. Both must also authorize any self-medication by the student.

Before any nonprescribed medication or treatment may be administered, the Board shall require the prior written consent of the parent who must also authorize any self-medication by his/her child. Medications will be administered by the District in accordance with the Superintendent's guidelines.

Only medication in its original container; labeled with the date, if a prescription; the student's name; and exact dosage will be administered. Parents, or students authorized in writing by their physician and parents, may administer medication or treatment.

Staff members are to administer medication or treatment only in the presence of another adult, except in the case of an emergency that threatens the life or health of the student. Staff licensed as professional registered nurses are exempt from this requirement.

All staff authorized to administer medication or treatment will receive training on this policy and the Superintendent’s guidelines, as well as appropriate procedures for administering the medication or treatment. This training shall be provided by qualified individuals with both knowledge of the District’s policy and procedures and the administration of medications or treatment. Where possible, this training should be provided by a licensed registered nurse, a licensed physician’s assistant, or a licensed physician.

All medication shall be kept in a locked storage case in the school office.

The Board shall permit the administration by staff of any medication requiring intravenous or intramuscular injection or the insertion of a device into the body when both the medication and the procedure are prescribed by a physician and the staff member has completed any necessary training.

Students who may require administration of an emergency medication may have such medication in accord with the Superintendent's administrative guidelines.

Students may possess and self-administer a metered dose or dry powder inhaler for relief of asthma, or before exercise to prevent onset of asthma symptoms, while at school, on school-sponsored transportation, or at any school-sponsored activity in accord with the Superintendent’s guidelines, if the following conditions are met:

 

A.

There is written approval from the student’s physician or other health care provider and the student or parent/guardian (if student is under eighteen (18)) to possess and use the inhaler (Form 5330 F1c)

   
 

and

 
   
 

B.

the building administrator has received a copy of the written approvals from the physician and the parent/guardian.

   
 

and

 
   
 

C.

there is on file at the student's school a written emergency care plan prepared by a licensed physician in collaboration with the student and his/her parent/legal guardian. The plan shall contain specific instructions on the student's needs including what to do in the event of an emergency.

Students with a need for emergency medication may also be allowed to self possess and self administer such medication, provided that they meet the same conditions established above. Students who are prescribed epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis shall be allowed to self possess and administer the medication if they meet the conditions stated above.

This policy and the administrative guidelines developed to establish appropriate procedures shall be implemented in such a manner to comply with District’s obligations and the student’s needs under any Individualized Education Plan, Section 504 Plan, or other legally required accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

The Superintendent shall prepare administrative guidelines to ensure the proper implementation of this policy.

M.C.L. 380.1178, 380.1178a, 380.1179
Michigan Department of Education, Model Policy and Guidelines for Administering
Medications to Pupils at School, Policy on Management of Asthma in Schools

© Neola 2005