Administering medications in school

Students should not carry medication of any kind to school. If it is necessary for a child to receive medications while in school, the following guidelines apply:

  • All medication taken in school, including over-the-counter drugs (pain medication, cough syrups, lozenges, etc.), must be prescribed by a physician. The written order must include the student's name and date of birth, name of medication, dosage and route of administration, frequency and time of administration, date written, prescriber's name, title, signature and phone number, and for as needed medications, conditions under which medication should be administered.
  • The school nurse must have on file a written request from the student's physician and a written request from the parent to administer the medication; and
  • All medication must be brought to school in a properly labeled original container by the parent or person in parental authority and delivered to the school nurse. Parents are advised to ask the pharmacist for two containers, one to remain at home and one at school.

All prescription medication should be in original prescription bottle with student name, physician name and dosage.

In some cases, exceptions are made with prior approval. For life threatening issues, students may be allowed to carry and/or self-administer medication. Specific regulations are outlined in SCS Regulation 7513R. Any parent or person in parental authority seeking permission for their child to self-carry and/or self-administer medication needs to fill out and have their physician complete Form 7513F and Form 7513 F.2.  These forms can be found on the Forms and Documents page.