Medications at School

ONLY medications prescribed four (4) times a day by a physician will be given during school hours. The medication must be in a pharmacy labeled container, and a parent permission form must be signed. Download Parent Permission Form

Controlled substances must have a doctor's signature, as well as being in a pharmacy labeled container.

NO over the counter medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.) will be given out by school personnel unless a parent requests it for an ongoing medical condition.

Medications will only be given by licensed school personnel or the school nurse.

Amendment to State Medication Law:

Inhalers may be carried and administered by all students (K -12) for asthma. (An authorization form from parents and demonstration of competence to the school nurse will be required.)

Administering Medication at School: Tips for Parents

If your child needs medications during school hours, it is important to keep in mind the following information.

Actions Before School

  • Ask your pharmacist to divide your child's medication into 2 bottles, each with its own label so that one can be kept at home and one can be kept (if allowed) at the school.

Getting Medicine to School

  • All medication should be transported to the school by an adult and handed to another adult. Do not allow your child to carry his or her medication unless he or she is old enough and mature enough to handle the responsibility. Also, make sure it is allowed by the school.

  • Your child should not carry his or her medication during school hours unless you, the doctor, and the school believes it is necessary for immediate access to emergency medication. Younger children are generally not mature enough to self-carry their own medications, but the school should make sure there is immediate access to emergency medications.

  • All prescription and nonprescription medication (including vitamins) given in school settings require written authorization from your child's doctor, as well as parent written consent. This is a requirement of the rules that school nurses must follow in most states. Ask your school for the medication administration forms they use.

  • All medication must be brought to school in the original labeled container prepared by the pharmacy, doctor, or pharmaceutical company (i.e., no envelopes, foil, or baggies). The label should include the following:

    • Child's name

    • Name of medication

    • Dosage of medication to be given

    • Frequency of administration

    • Route of administration

    • Name of physician ordering medication

    • Date of prescription

    • Expiration date