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School Health Services
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
MEDICATIONS AND HEALTH CARE
AT SCHOOL
Questions???
Email Danielle Jesko, R.N.,
1. Does
the school provide medications?
No,
the school does not provide medication. Medication must be brought to the front
office or school clinic by the
parent/guardian. An “Authorization to Administer” medication form must be
completed.
2. May
the parent/guardian bring and give medications to their student?
Yes, a parent/guardian may come to
school and give their child medication. Appropriate visitor
sign in
procedures should be followed.
3. Where
can I find authorization forms?
Authorization forms are found in the front office, school
clinic, or online. To find forms online go to www.cobbk12.org. Locate “Superintendent” on the left hand side
of the page, and then
click
on “Administrative Rules.” Click on Section “J-Students.”
Find Administrative Rule JLCD (Student Welfare: Medication). Click on the Form needed.
4. Why
do I need a doctor's note for adult strength over-the-counter
medication when my doctor has told me this is appropriate
for my
student’s weight (or condition)?
The school nurse wants to protect
your child and must follow guidelines for dosage
recommended
by the manufacturer.
5. How
do students get their medications at the After School Program (ASP)?
The principal, with input from the licensed school nurse, and the After School Program
Director, will determine by whom and how medication will be secured and administered at
ASP.
6. Why
do medications have to be in the original container?
The original container provides
information from the manufacturer about over-the-counter
medications, including the name of
the medication, the proper dose, how the medication should be given, how often the medication can be
given, possible side effects, and when the
medication
is no longer effective (an expiration date).
The original prescription container
includes the name of the medication, the patient’s name, the
prescribing
doctor, the proper dose, how and when it should be given, how long the medication
should be given, when the medication expires, and the pharmacy where the
medication was purchased.
All of this information is necessary
for the school nurse to administer medication in a safe manner.
7. What
if my child’s medication or dosage changes?
Parents/guardians must inform the
school nurse of any medication changes. New medication or
different
doses will not be given unless the parent completes a new medication form. The
information on the prescription bottle label must match the new consent form.
8.
Can my child take herbal medication at school?
No. Over-the-counter diet pills,
vitamins, dietary supplements, including minerals or herbs will
not be
given.
9.
May my child carry cough drops at school?
All students may carry cough drops
and throat lozenges as long as an “Over-The-
Counter Medication Permission” form
is completed and the school nurse has the original completed form on file. The
student should carry a copy of the form with the medication. The medication
must be kept in the original container.
10. May my child carry over-the-counter
medication at school?
Middle and high school students (grades 6-12) may carry
certain over-the counter medications: ibuprofen (i.e.: Advil, Motrin, Midol),
acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, antacids, cough drops and throat lozenges
with a completed “Over-the-Counter Medication Permission Form” on file
in the clinic. The student should carry a copy of the form with the
medication. The medication
must be kept
in the original container.
11. Can my child carry his asthma
inhaler at school?
Yes, students may carry inhalers, Epipens or insulin with a completed “Authorization for
Student to Carry a Prescription
Inhaler, Epipen or Insulin” form
on file in the clinic.
12.
Why is there a place for the health care provider to sign the authorization
form for my child to carry their inhaler at school?
The health care provider’s signature
indicates that your child has been instructed on the
proper use of their inhaler and that your child is
responsible for administering it to himself/herself without supervision. The form can be faxed to the doctor and then
faxed back to the individual school nurse.
13. Why do I have to have a prescription
label on the inhaler?
The prescription on the inhaler
includes the child’s name, how often it is to be used and what dose is appropriate for your child. It is difficult to keep the label directly on
the inhaler. You can write your child’s name on the inhaler and bring the
labeled prescription box to the school
nurse.
14. If my child is sick, why can't I bring
them medicine and send them back to
class?
You
can, unless your child has a fever,
vomiting, two episodes of diarrhea, a rash that may be
contagious,
or any other condition that the school nurse or administrator believe may be
contagious
or disruptive to the class or teacher.
15. If I give my child Tylenol for a
fever, can I still send them to school?
If
the fever is more than 100.9 degrees F before you give them Tylenol,
then your child cannot come to school. Your child may return to school when
his/her temperature is below 101 degrees F without Tylenol or any other fever
reducing medication for 24 hours, if s/he feels well and is not showing any
signs of illness.
16. If I give my child
Tylenol for aches and pains can I still send them to
school?
Your child is
welcome at school while taking Tylenol and any other over-the-counter
medication for an injury, dental work, etc. However, if the medication is for a sore
throat,
earache or flu like symptoms, please keep them at home.
17. Why can’t I put medicine in my child’s
lunch box if he/she has to take
medicine at lunch?
Medication in a lunch box could be
lost or taken by another child. If a
staff member found the
medication
it could be considered an illegal drug with consequences according to the Code
of Conduct. Medications must be brought to the front office or school clinic by
parents/guardians
in the
original and properly labeled container.
18. If I treat my child for lice can I
send them back to school the same day?
Yes. Please bring your child back to
the school nurse to be rechecked.
19. Why do I have to bring in a box top to
verify lice treatment?
A box top from the product provides
the school nurse with the type of treatment that was used
and
confirms that treatment was provided for the child since a prescription is not
necessary for treatment of head lice.
20. How much time do I have to get to the
school if the nurse calls me to pick
up my child because he's sick?
You, or a person you designate,
should arrive within one hour of being called. Most school
clinics
have an area where your child can rest for a short period of time. You, or a
person you
designate,
must arrive within 15 minutes if your child has a fever of 104 degrees F or
higher.
Otherwise, 911 will be called.
21. How long will my
child’s over-the-counter medication be given at
school?
Over-the-counter medication may be
given with parent/guardian permission as needed through
out the
school year. A doctor’s note is required
for over-the-counter medication that is given
for more
than 10 consecutive school days.
22. What happens to my child’s
medication at the end of the school year?
All medications not picked-up by
parents by the last day of school will be destroyed.
5/16/05
