Stimulant Abuse By School Age Children:
A Guide for School Officials

• Virginia School Health Guidelines: General Guidelines for Administering Medication in School
   

• Policies and Guidelines Catholic Schools of Arlington

VIRGINIA SCHOOL HEALTH GUIDELINES
General Guidelines for Administering Medication in School

Note: The following information is a reprint from: Keen, T. (Ed.) with Ford, N., Henry, J., and Cox A. (Consulting Eds.). (1996). Medication Administration. Guidelines for Specialized Health Care Procedures. Richmond, Va.: Virginia Department of Health. This reprint contains some updated information, which is contained within brackets: [ ] .

Medication Labeling. The final area that should be addressed prior to administering medication is labeling. The medication must be in its original container before it is given to a student. The pharmacist can divide the medication into two containers—one for home and one for school. The original container should be labeled with the student’s name, name of medication, directions for dosage, frequency to be administered, the licensed prescriber’s name, and the date the prescription was filled. Medications in plastic bags or other non-original containers are not acceptable.

School Staff. In schools where school nurses are available on a daily basis, it is recommended that school nurses assume responsibility for arranging the administration of medication to students. In schools where school nurses are not available on a daily basis, it is recommended that the principal assume responsibility for arranging the administration of the medication. If an aide is assigned to administer the medication, the medication authorization, parental consent, and medication label should be reviewed by the school nurse, principal, or principal’s designee prior to giving the first dose. [ Note: First dose of a new medication should be given at home.]

It is recommended that the principal or school nurse ensure that:

• Medication is given correctly and documented appropriately.
   
• The appropriate forms are completed prior to giving a medication to include authorization and parental consent.
   
• The medication is properly labeled and stored properly in a secure, safe place.

Documentation of Administering Medication. When medication is brought to school, the amount of medication in the container should be noted (e.g., the number of capsules or the volume of liquid). Each time a medication is administered a record should be kept of who administered it (initials may be used as long as a complete signature that corresponds with the person’s initials is noted on the record), to whom it was given, the name of the medication, the time it was given, the dose given, the manner in which it was delivered (e.g., by mouth, in ear), the effect of the medication, and any side effects or reactions. Any changes in the type or dosage of the medication or the time it is to be given, should be accompanied by a new medication authorization/parent consent form, and a newly labeled medication container from the pharmacy. The school nurse or principal should establish the date when written medication renewals will be required.

Storage of Medications. A two-week supply or less of medications (unless medication is taken on a daily basis throughout the school year) should be kept in an appropriately labeled container which is locked and secured in a designated space (e.g., a locked box stored within a locked cabinet). Access to keys for the storage space in which medication is kept should be limited to the school nurse, the principal, and authorized staff. A listing of authorized staff should be maintained by the principal and updated routinely. Keys to the medication storage area should never leave the school grounds. Arrangements need to be made for medications requiring refrigeration. The school nurse or principal should establish a date when any unused medication should be picked up by parents.

Parents/Guardian. Prior to administering a medication at school the parents should:

1. Provide the school with a written authorization from the licensed prescriber that includes the following information: the student’s name, name of the medication, dosage, hours to be given, method by which it is to be given, name of the licensed prescriber, date of the prescription, expected duration of administration of the medication, and most importantly, possible toxic effects and side effects. For any changes in medication, the parents must provide a written authorization signed by the licensed prescriber.
    
2. Provide the medication in a container labeled as required.
    
3. Provide a completed parental consent form.
    
4. Administer the first dose of any new medication, unless the medication is an "in school" medication only.
    
5. Transport medication to the school so that the student is not responsible for bringing the medication to school.

Unused medication should be picked up by parents within one week of the expiration date. After one week the medication should be destroyed by the school nurse, principal, or the principal’s designee. Medication given on a daily basis throughout the year should be destroyed two weeks after the last day of school. It is advisable that the destruction of the medication be witnessed by another person. [ Note: School divisions should establish their own policy regarding disposal of medications based on available staff after the last day of school.]

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POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF ARLINGTON

3. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE

1. All prescription medication (except as set forth in subsection "c" below) may only be administered during the school day under the following conditions:
    

   1. When it has been determined that the medication must be administered during school hours;
       

   2. After the first dose of any medication has been given at home;
       

   3. When a locked, secure storage space in the school office is provided for medicines separate from first aid supplies;
       

   4. When a parent or guardian transports the medication to and from school;
       

   5. When there is a physician’s written order signed by the parent or guardian requesting the school to permit the student to self-administer the medication;
       

   6. When the medication is brought to the school in its original container stating the name of the student, the dosage and method of administration prescribed by a physician;
       

   7. When the appropriate administration of medication form has been completed and signed by the parent or guardian;
       

   8. When the medication is methylphenidate (Ritalin), authorized school personnel and parents must document the number of tablets to be secured for administration by authorized school personnel.
       

2. The administration of all medication must be entered in the logbook or files. At the end of the school year parents are responsible to pick up all medications. All medication left in the clinic at the end of the school year will be disposed.
     

3. A student shall be permitted to carry and use a medication inhaler for asthmatic conditions or self administer an epinephrine injection during emergency situations when the student’s physician and parent/guardian have completed the Authorization to Administer Inhaler or Epi-Pen Form...

OFFICE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS 
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
June 2000