Medications at School
from the Jefferson County Health Department
Medications at School
Occasionally students need to take medications while at school. Parents need to remember that certain guidelines MUST be followed in order for this to be a safe and legal practice.
- All medications must be in the original container and taken to the school office.
- Completed forms, which give written instructions for giving the medicine, including the parent’s signature, must accompany the medication to school. (These forms are available in the school offices for this purpose. Handwritten notes will be accepted for one day only.)
- All prescription medications, including samples, require written instructions and signature of the physician before they can be given at school or before dosage can be changed. A current pharmacy prescription label on the medication can take the place of a physician’s signature.
- Prescription medications must be prescribed for the current illness. Leftover medicine cannot be used for a new illness.
- No medication can be given after its expiration date.
- The first dose of any new medication must be taken at home to observe for adverse reactions. No medicine can be started, first dose, at school.
The school nurse will review all medications for the above criteria before they are given at school. Being properly prepared will prevent delays in your child getting started on medications.
