MSD Policies
Students
140.1 Administering Medication to Students
A. General Provisions for Administration of Medicine.
The Superintendent and school nurse supervisor will work together to establish specific procedures to control medications administered in schools.
This policy shall extend to any school-sponsored activity, event, or program.
In addition to the provisions set forth herein, the school nurse and Principal are responsible for ensuring the provisions of New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 311.02(d), Medication During the School Day, are followed.
Prescribed medication should not be taken during the school day, if at all possible. If necessary, medication is to be administered by the school nurse, principal or other designee. Medication will be administered in school only after receiving and filing in the student’s health record the following:
A written statement from the licensed prescriber detailing the method of taking the medication, dosage, and the time schedule of the medication.
A written authorization from the parent/guardian indicating the desire that the school assist the student in taking the prescribed medication.
B. Recording Provisions.
Each school will document the following information regarding medication taken by each student:
Date and time of administration;
Name of medication prescribed;
Name of licensed prescriber;
Signature or initials of adult present;
Other comments.
Each school nurse shall electronically document all medication in the School District Student Information System taken by a student and will show: the date, time of administration, the kind and quantity of medicinal preparation, and the name of the prescribing physician.
If a student refuses to take or spills medication, or medication is lost or has run out, such shall be recorded.
Each record should be kept in a secure place for a period of time consistent with the New Hampshire Department of Education’s records retention schedule.
C. Delivery, Storage and Disposal of Medication.
All medication should be delivered to appropriate school personnel by the parent/guardian. All prescription medication must be delivered and contained in its original pharmacy container. The school nurse is directed to keep such medications in a locked cabinet or refrigerator. No more than a 30-day supply will be kept and maintained by the school. The school nurse will contact the parent/guardian regarding any unused medication. Such medication shall be picked up by parent/guardian within ten days after its use is discontinued. If the parent/guardian does not pick up the medication within ten days, the school nurse may dispose of the unused medication and record as such in the student’s health record file.
D. Medication Records.
The school nurse is responsible for keeping accurate records regarding the administration of medication to students.
Physicians’ written orders and the written authorization of parents or guardians should be filed with the student’s cumulative health record and kept for a period of time as determined by the New Hampshire Department of Education’s Records Retention Schedule. Health records concerning students who receive special education services should be retained as long as the student is in a special education program and there is district liability for the education of the student.
An appropriate summary completed at least once every school year for each medication prescribed and taken should become part of the student’s health record.
The State law forbids any child for any reason to take medication without written permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian. Permission slips are available in the nurse’s office.
E. Administration and Self-Administration of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors and Inhalers.
Students may possess and self-administer an epinephrine auto-injector if the student suffers from potentially life-threatening allergies. Both the student’s parent/guardian and physician must authorize such self-possession and self-administration. If a student finds it necessary to use his/her auto-injector, s/he shall immediately report to nearest supervising adult. The school nurse or building principal shall maintain at least one epinephrine auto-injector, provided by the student, in the nurse’s office or other suitable location. Additionally, students may possess and self-administer a metered dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler to alleviate or prevent asthmatic symptoms, auto-injectors for severe allergic reactions, and other injectable medications necessary to treat life-threatening allergies. Both the student’s parent/guardian and physician must authorize such self-possession and self-administration.
F. Other Uses/Administration Prohibited.
Students shall not share any prescription or over-the counter medication with another student. Notice of this prohibition will be provided in student handbooks. Students acting in violation of this prohibition will be subject to discipline consistent with applicable Board of School Committee policies.
G. Emergency Administration of Medication.
The school nurse or other designated personnel may administer other medications to students in emergency situations, provided such personnel has all training as is required by law. Such medication may also be administered in emergency situations if a student’s medical action plan has been filed and updated with the Manchester School District to the extent required by law.
The Manchester School District will maintain all necessary records relative to the emergency administration of medication and will file all such reports as may be required.
H. Field Trips and School Sponsored Activities.
A single dose of medication may be transferred by the school nurse from the original container to a newly labeled container for the purposes of field trips or school sponsored activities.
I. Glucagon Injections.
Glucagon may be kept and administered in accordance with RSA 200:40-b. Glucagon administration training may be provided in accordance with RSA 200:40-b.
Legal References:
RSA 200:40-b, Glucagon Injections
RSA 200:42, Possession and Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors Permitted
RSA 200:43, Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injector
RSA 200:44, Availability of Epinephrine Auto-Injector
RSA 200:44-a, Anaphylaxis Training Required
RSA 200:45, Student Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors - Immunity
RSA 200:46, Possession and Self-Administration of Asthma Inhalers Permitted
RSA 200:47, Use of Asthma Medications by Students - Immunity
RSA 200:54, Supply of Bronchodilators, Spacers or Nebulizers
RSA 200:55, Administration of Bronchodilator, Space or Nebulizer
N.H. Code of Administrative Rules - Section Ed. 306.12(b)(2), Special Physical Health
Needs of Students
N.H. Code of Administrative Rules - Section Ed. 311.02(d); Medication During School
Day
N.H. Code of Administrative Rules, Nur 404; Ongoing Requirements
New Hampshire School Board Association Code JLCD, JLCD-R
Revised: 08/27/2018, 06/27/22
First Reading Policy Committee: 06/15/22
Second Reading and BOSC Adoption: 06/27/22