Medication Information - Enfield Public Schools

Administering medicine in school is strictly regulated. For students who must take medication during school hours, including medication prescribed by a physician for short-term use (e.g., antibiotics), daily medication, medication needed only occasionally, over-the-counter medication, and medication for emergencies such as Epi-Pens and inhalers parents/guardians must provide the school nurse with their written permission and the written medical order of an authorized prescriber (physician, dentist, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician’s assistant) authorizing the nurse to administer the medication. The permission and order must be in writing on Enfield Public Schools’ Medication Authorization Form* and is required to be on file in the nurse’s office each time a medication is to be administered in school.

The Form*:

· must be filled out and signed by the authorized prescriber who ordered the medication.

· must be signed by the parent

· a separate form is required for each medication

· a new form must be filled out for each school year

The Medication:

· students are not allowed to bring the medication to school.

· CT state law requires that medication must be brought in by a parent or

other responsible adult (over the age of 18) and given directly to the nurse.

This person must remain to count the medication and to sign a form that

verifies the amount.

· the medication must be in a pharmacy bottle, properly labeled if it is a prescription.

· sample medications must be labeled by the authorized prescriber who orders the medication.

· if it is an over the counter medication, (i.e., Tylenol, Tums, cough drops, lozenges, etc.) the medication must be brought in the original unopened container.

· any remaining medication must be picked up by a parent or other responsible adult

by the last day of school or within one week after a medication is discontinued.

Self-Administration of Medication

Students are permitted to carry on their person and self-administer rescue medications, such as EpiPens and asthma inhalers provided the appropriate medication authorization forms* with the written authorization of the student’s physician, parent/guardian and school nurse are on file in the nurse’s office. Such medication should also be available in the nurse’s office as a back up in case of a medical emergency. Students who have a self-administration plan to carry their own rescue medications must keep them on or with their person at all times. It is not safe or appropriate to leave them in a locker or car. Students found with any medication, over-the-counter or prescription, are subject to disciplinary action.

Medication on Field Trips

The same state regulations and school policies apply to medication on field trips as in school during the school day. Students who have a self-administration plan are responsible to carry their own medication on a field trip. Should a field trip include hours beyond the regular school day or overnight, and a medication usually taken at home will be needed during the field trip, a physician’s order, parent authorization and, in the case of self-administration, school nurse authorization must be in place in advance of the field trip. These requirements include over-the-counter medications. It is best to speak with the school nurse well in advance of a field trip to make sure that your child will have access to appropriate medication and assistance, if needed, during a field trip.