WILLIAMSON COUNTY SCHOOLS

MEDICATION POLICY

Medication procedures are consistent with the State of Tennessee Law TCA 49-5-415 and are implemented

in our schools countywide.

 

§         Authorization forms: Authorization to Assist Competent Students with Self-Administration of Medication must be completed for each school year. A separate form must be completed for each medication. There are separate forms for Epi-pens and Non-Competent Students.

§         Parents or legal guardians must bring their child’s medication to school. Students are NOT allowed to bring their own medication. This includes prescription as well as non-prescription medication (ie-Tylenol).

 

§         The first dose of medication must always be given at home in case of an adverse reaction.

 

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION:

  • Prescription medication can be self-administered in school by following these guidelines:

 

  • The school must have an authorization form completed by both the parent or legal guardian and the physician.

 

  • The medication must be in the original container, match the physician’s orders exactly and must be labeled by the pharmacy.

 

  • If the prescription is to be given for less than one week at school (as with some antibiotics) the physician’s signature is not required but… the medication must be in an original container properly labeled by the pharmacy and an authorization form must be completed by a parent.

 

  • If your child is taking an antibiotic that is prescribed three times a day, this should be administered before school, after school and at bedtime. Do not send this medication to school.

 

  • Parents or legal guardians MUST bring the medication to school. (Including Cough Drops) Children are not allowed to transport the medication (of any kind) to school. Empty prescription bottles will be given to the student to bring home unless you inform the school otherwise.

 

§         Competent students are allowed to keep inhalers on their person as long as that is specified on the authorization form and signed by both parent and physician. Please let your School Nurse know if your child has an inhaler on their person.

 

 

OVER-THE-COUNTER (NON-PRESCRIPTION) MEDICATION:

§         Over-the-counter medication can be self-administered in school by following these guidelines:

  • The parent or legal guardian must complete the authorization form.
  • The medication must be in the manufacturer’s original bottle, sealed, with the student’s name on the bottle/box. No opened containers can be accepted.
  • No medication can be given past the expiration date.
  • Parent or legal guardians MUST bring the medications to school.  Children are NOT allowed to transport any medication to school.

 

END OF YEAR PROCEDURES:

Only empty prescription bottles will be sent home with a student. At the end of the school year, if a parent does not pick up their child’s medication, two designated school personnel will dispose of the leftover medication per policy procedure and document.

 

EMERGENCY CARE PLANS:

Any student with an Epi-pen or who have any major medical issues such as diabetes must have an emergency care plan. These are updated/revised each school year. Please see the school nurse.

 

STUDENTS WITH DIABETES:

Students with diabetes should check their blood glucose levels in the clinic area only. Lancets and blood-soiled chem-strips must be disposed of in the sharps container available in the clinic. Glucose levels will be documented and kept on file. Please see the school nurse.