Content Information
Procedures are the detailed step-by-step instructions for implementing policy. The school nurse develops procedures in collaboration with the district or school for how medications are to be administered as part of the student’s educational program, for accountability to the nurse’s licensed practice, and for handling emergencies. The procedures need to be supported with definitions and descriptions. The format and content need to be consistent with laws, policies, and evidence-based health practices. School nurses, school personnel, prescribers, parents, and students work together to assure the student receives the medication with the least disruption to their school day, while maintaining the optimal benefit of the medication. Designated personnel (delegatees) to carry out medication administration are identified, trained, and certified by the school nurse. Back-up delegatees are selected by the school nurse, in collaboration with leadership teams, to cover when designated personnel are absent. The person qualified has to agree to administer medication, provide consent and complete the training requirements and annual skills check with the nurse to become and remain certified to administer medication. The procedures cover the proper response to medication errors that might occur during medication administration and for emergencies that might occur during the school day or school sanctioned activities. While most emergencies in schools are not life threatening, each district and school needs to prepare for the possibility of a medication error or serious health related emergency by having a plan in each building.
Medication Administration Course Access and Recordkeeping:
The Iowa Department of Education offers a free online medication administration course to help school nurses in the delegation of medication administration and as required in IAC 281.14.1 and IAC 655.6 for school ran early childhood programs, preschools, districts and schools. A copy of the signed certificate is kept in the school file (Example: Place in front of School Building’s Medication Administration Records).
The AEA Learning System houses the Department’s medication course. This course is available for free. To access the course, the school nurse has the delegatee go to: Area Education Agency Online Training and fill in all required fields. If you do not know your school or program’s password, contact the school administrator, school nurse or email to: support@aeapdonline.org.