Medication that must be administered to a student during school hours must be provided by the student’s parent. All medication, whether prescription or nonprescription, must be kept in the nurse’s office and administered by the nurse or another authorized district employee, unless the student is authorized to possess his or her own medication because of asthma or a severe allergy as described below or as otherwise allowed by law.
The district will not purchase medication to give to a student. District employees will not give a student prescription medication, nonprescription medication, herbal substances, anabolic steroids, or dietary supplements, with the following exceptions:
Only authorized employees, in accordance with policy FFAC, may administer:
- Prescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent, along with a written request.
- Prescription medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container.
- Nonprescription medication, in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request.
- Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.
A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related events only if he or she has written authorization from his or her parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider. The student must also demonstrate to his or her physician or health-care provider and to the school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the medication. If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the school nurse or principal.
In accordance with a student’s individual health plan for management of diabetes, a student with diabetes will be permitted to possess and use monitoring and treatment supplies and equipment while at school or at a school-related activity. See the school nurse or principal for information. [See policy FFAF (LEGAL).]
Psychotropic Drugs
A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described as a mood- or behavior-altering substance.
Teachers and other district employees may discuss a student’s academic progress or behavior with the student’s parents or another employee as appropriate; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A district employee who is a registered nurse, an advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate. [For further information, see policy FFAC.]
Parent Request for Medication Administration
Prescription medication must be in an original pharmacy container with the original label of the doctor’s order. The pharmacy can make 2 labeled bottles - one for home and one for school. Medication will be given per label instructions.
The first dose of any new medication should be given at home by the parent/guardian.
Medication schedules should be set so that medicine is taken at home rather than at school,
whenever possible. ( For example, medication prescribed twice a day should be given at home
in the morning and then again at home in the evening about 12 hours apart. Medication
prescribed 3 times a day can be given before school, right after school and then again at
bedtime.)
Over-the-counter medication must be in the original container, (NO baggies!), must be
age/weight appropriate, with the label intact and not expired. Must be FDA approved. AND
must have a consent/request form signed or a note signed by the parent with instructions on
when to give the medication.
A separate consent/request form should be signed for each medication.
In accordance with the NURSE PRACTICE ACT , Texas Code section 217.11, the school nurse
has the responsibility and authority to clarify any medication order with the appropriate licensed
practitioner and/or refuse to administer medication that, in the nurse’s judgement, is not in the
best interest of the student.