Content Information
The school notifies parents and students routinely about the school medication administration policy and provides communication routinely with parents of students who receive medication in the school setting. Procedure definitions include:
Qualified Personnel: Provide medication administration by a registered nurse or as delegated to qualified school personnel who have completed the medication administration course provided by the Department every 5 years and receives a valid signed certification after completing an annual skills demonstration. To remain certified, the qualified personnel must complete a hands-on skills demonstration annually with the school nurse.
Prescriber’s Authorization: The legal prescriber’s directions on the prescription or non-prescription label should specify the student (for prescription medication), medication, dosage, route, administration instructions, and date (prescription) or expiration date (nonprescription).
Parents’ Written Authorization: A dated statement signed by the parent or guardian is on file at school authorizing medication administration in accordance with the prescription or non-prescription medication instructions and school or board policy. Many schools or school sponsored preschool programs have moved to online registration and an electronic signature meets the requirements for written consent (Iowa Code 4.1). The authorization includes individual instructions, notification that the information will be shared with appropriate school personnel and permission to contact the prescriber about the medication as needed. Medication administration authorizations are renewed annually and updated immediately as changes occur with any component of medication administration. A registered nurse and or school employee may accept a faxed or electronic parent or prescribing healthcare provider signature requesting medication administration as long as there are no questions about the signature authenticity. A registered nurse may accept any faxed or electronic change in the medication administration from the prescribing healthcare provider. The nurse maintains accountability to the Nurse Practice Act regarding decisions to administer medication.
Safe Delivery: The parent provides for the safe delivery of the medication to and from school. The parent will be notified when more medication is needed and when to pick-up unused or expired medication by the school nurse, administration, or qualified personnel.
Labeled Container: The labeled medicine is in the original container with the original label as dispensed or with the manufacturer’s label. The parent provides the labeled medication, supplies, and devices. Parents may request a second bottle and a second prescription label for school is when the child takes medication at both home and school.
Communication: Ongoing communication occurs between the individuals administering medication, prescribing healthcare provider, family, educational personnel with legitimate educational interest, and student as applicable.
Confidentiality: The student medication information is confidential with the exception of school personnel needing to know.
Records and Documentation: A medication administration record is maintained. Documentation includes student name, medication, dose, date, time, route, signature of the person administering the medication, count of medication received, count of medication returned to parent or law enforcement, disposal, unusual circumstances, incidents or errors, and how they were reported.
Storage and medication Counting: Medication is stored in a secure area or as authorized, location of medication storage is locally determined by policy or program requirements. ALL medication is counted on receipt and return, controlled/scheduled substances may be counted daily, and doubled locked depending on the individual situation.
Unused Medication When medication administration is completed or discontinued, the parent or guardian is advised in writing to pick up unused portions of medication. Best practice is to have the parent or guardian pick up all unused medication from the school to prevent diversion. Schools should practice minimization and only have the Controlled substances/ Regulated Medications needed on school grounds so none are left to be returned home. The Iowa School Hazardous and Medication Waste Guidance document created in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources provides steps for recycling or disposal of unregulated medications. Schools are considered a business and the medications that parents provide do not belong to the school. Schools must follow all business waste regulations as defined by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agency.
Schools cannot transport or waste controlled substances and need to contact their local law office, Drug Enforcement Agency, or School Resource Officers to maintain chain of custody of the controlled medication to dispose of in the proper methods in accordance with the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 DEA.
Individual Health Plan (IHP) Students or learners requiring ongoing special health service provided in the educational program, such as routine nonemergency or emergency medication administration require an Individualized Health Plan. The education for self-administration of medication may be included in the IHP.