AP 328
Background
The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidelines for administering medication to students at school.
Procedures
1. The administration of medication in the school environment shall only occur where no other options are available, and where the school has received complete information from the parent/guardian about the medication. The principal, or designate, is responsible for the administration of medication to students.
2. Annual Communication with Parents / Guardians
The following message will be communicated to the parents/guardians at the beginning and end of each school year in the first and last regular newsletter. Inclusion in student agendas or planners is encouraged.
“Re: Administration of Medication to Students at School
We are trying to maintain a uniform, safe, and efficient way of dispensing medication at school. If your child requires medication at school and you have not filled out the required form “AP 328-1 Request for Administration of Medication at School, please contact your principal and request a form. Please have the form completed by your doctor, sign it yourself and return it to the school as soon as possible. This procedure complies with District Procedures regarding medication to be taken at school. This form refers to medication taken on a regular or emergency basis excluding medication for the treatment of anaphylaxis or Type 1 Diabetes. If there are any questions, please contact the school.”
3. Requirements for Schools
3.1 This procedure only applies for students who require adult support for the administration of medication at school.
3.2 Students who are diagnosed ‘at-risk’ anaphylactic or anaphylactic must also refer to AP 330 – Allergic Shock (Anaphylaxis) and are not required to complete AP 328-1 for the administration of epinephrine.
3.3 Students who are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes must refer to AP 323 – Support for Students with Type 1 Diabetes, and are not required to complete AP 328-1 for the administration of insulin or Glucagon.
3.4 For conditions other than Anaphylaxis and Type 1 Diabetes, the principal will arrange with the parent to have the AP 328-1 Request for Administration of Medication at School completed annually by the parent/guardian and physician.
3.5 The principal will arrange a meeting involving the parent/guardian and all school personnel who may be called upon to administer the medication. A written procedure for administering and recording medication taken should be agreed upon at the meeting and distributed to the parents/guardian and to the school.
3.5 If training is required, the parent/guardian and principal will arrange to have it done.
4. Storage and Logging of Administration of Medication
4.1 If the school is required to store medication on school premises, the parent/guardian shall be informed that he/she is responsible for delivering the medication to the school in a properly labeled prescription container and for replacing medication that has reached its “expiry date.” The school must keep the medication in a locked cupboard in a place inaccessible to students and will inform parents when the expiry date is approaching.
4.2 A log shall be kept in the school stating the name of the student, the date and time of usage of the medication, circumstances surrounding its administration, and any other pertinent information. Each log entry is to be signed by the person administering the medication.
5. Additional Requirements
5.1 Parents are responsible to teach their child(ren) about the importance of their medication and the symptom(s) of their condition that may require treatment.
5.2 Parents/guardians shall provide a medical alert bracelet to be worn by the student at all times.
Appendix
AP 328-1 Request for Administration of Medication at School
References
AP 326 – Student Illness or Injury at School
AP 327 – Medical Alert Conditions