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School
Health Services
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
MEDICATIONS
AND HEALTH CARE AT SCHOOL
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
The school nurse wants to protect your child and must follow guidelines
for dosage
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
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
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
11. Can my
child carry his asthma inhaler at school?
Yes, students may carry inhalers,
Epipens or insulin with a completed “Authorization for
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
You can, unless your child has
a fever, vomiting, two episodes of diarrhea, a rash that may be
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
Your child is welcome at school while
taking Tylenol and any other over-the-counter
17.
Why can’t I put medicine in my child’s lunch box if he/she has to take
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
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
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
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
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