Medication at School Authorization Form
As much as possible, students should take prescribed oral medication and over-the-counter medication at home before or after school under a parent or guardian's supervision. If necessary, a student may receive prescribed or non-prescribed medication from a school staff member on a scheduled basis, upon written authorization from the parent and a written request by a licensed health care professional. If medication is to be administered for longer than 15 consecutive days, the written request must include written instructions from the licensed health care professional.
Medications to be administered other than orally may be given only by a registered or licensed practical nurse. No prescribed medication may be injected by staff except when a student is susceptible to a predetermined, life-endangering situation. The parent must submit a written statement granting a staff member authority to act according to specific written orders and directions provided by a licensed health care professional prescribing within his or her authority.
A health care professional and a student's parent may request in writing that a student be permitted to carry and permitted to self-administer his or her own medication. Permission may be granted by the principal after consultation with the school nurse. Except in cases of multi-dose devices (asthma inhalers), students may only carry one day's supply of medication at a time. A prescribing health care provider must provide a written treatment plan for students with asthma or anaphylaxis to self-administer medication.
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but very serious life-threatening disease caused by bacterial or viral infection. Instance of bacterial meningitis has increased nearly 60% since the early 1990's. This very dangerous disease is spread through air droplets and direct contact with an infected person, such as through coughing, kissing, sharing beverages, eating utensils and lip balm. Symptoms are often very sudden and severe, and may include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, confusion and sleepiness. Bacterial meningitis can result in hearing loss, brain damage or death; but if diagnosed early, it can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
The district provides parents and guardians of students in sixth grade and above with information about meningococcal disease at the beginning of every school year, including characteristics of the disease, where to find information about meningitis, vaccinations for children, and national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) current recommendations regarding vaccination against the disease.