0. Medication Administration
A Training for School Personnel
School Health Services
Crook County School District

1. The Law The law covers only non-injectable medication.
Administrative rules were adopted by Oregon Department of Education. ORS –
Designated school personnel are now required to receive appropriate training annually for the administration of prescription and non-prescription medication.

2. The Law (cont.)
School districts may not require school personnel who have not received appropriate training to administer medication to students.
Administration of non-prescription medication by school personnel requires written instructions from the student’s parent.
School districts must adopt policies and procedures for this rule including policies which address students self medication.

3. Administrative Rule
The definition of physician includes these people licensed by the respective licensing board in the State of Oregon or an adjoining state:
Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy
Physician Assistant
Nurse Practitioner
Dentist
Optometrist
Naturopathic Physician

4. Administrative Rule
Separates prescription and non-prescription medication
Excludes dietary/food supplements
Requires school personnel to be responsible only for prescription medication scheduled to be given during school hours, or non- prescription medications necessary for the child to remain in school.

5. Training
Administrators are responsible for selecting regular and back-up staff.
Only trained staff can administer medication.

6. Prescription Medications
Does not include injectable drugs!
Must be prepared and labeled by pharmacist.
Administered only if required during school hours.
Requires signed permission and instruction from parent.

7. Prescription Medications
Requires written instructions from a physician (a prescription label meets this requirement).
Must be in original pharmacy container.
Verbal physician orders can only be taken by a licensed nurse.

8. Non-Prescription Medications
Age appropriate dosage (dosage must be consistent with the manufacturers guidelines) i.e. Ibuprofen.
Commercially prepared.
Non-alcohol based.
Necessary for student to remain in school.

9. Non-Prescription Medications
Require:
Written parent permission
Student name
Medication dosage, frequency, route
Must be in original container.

10. Five Rights Right Student Right Medication Right Dose Right Time
Right Route

11. Handling Medications Obtain water from a clean source.
Do not obtain water from sink where first aid is provided.
Always wash your hands prior to giving medication.
Avoid touching medication.
Wear gloves if placing medication in student’s mouth.

12. Handling Medication
Tablets require cutting should be cut by the parent and sent to school.
Parents should provide pill crusher if pills need to be crushed.
Ask parents to provide calibrated instruments for measuring liquid medication (kitchen spoons are not accurate).

13. Routes Of Medication Oral Topical Inhaled Tablets Capsules
Syrup, elixirs, and suspensions
Topical
Skin
Eyes
Ears
Nose
Inhaled
Mouth

14. Rectal medication administration and nebulizer treatments will not be taught in this training. They must be delegated in accordance with Oregon law.

15. Supports the need for students to carry
Asthma Inhalers
OSBA POLICY
Supports the need for students to carry
asthma inhalers

16. Safe Storage And Handling
STORE ALL MEDICATION in original containers in secure place.
NEVER administer medications from an unlabeled container.
NEVER empty medication into a plastic bag or other container

17. Safe Storage and Handling
STORE medications in a clean, locked cabinet.
CERTAIN medications require counting upon arrival at school.
REFRIGERATION is required for some medication.

18. Safe Storage and Handling
MEDICATION should be brought to school and returned home by the parent. Do not allow students to carry medications home without parent permission which must be documented.
CHANGES in medication instructions must be made by parent in writing. DO NOT act on verbal request.
FOLLOW district policy for disposal of unused medications e.g.:
Regulated waste

19. Documentation—If it’s not documented, it wasn’t done!
Documentation must be accurate and legible.
Document in blue or black ink. Never use pencil.
Never use white out.
If you make a mistake in entry, cross through and mark “ME” (mistaken entry).

20. Confidentiality Student medication files are CONFIDENTIAL.
Access limited to authorized school staff and parents.
Parent authorization required for release of information.

21. Retaining Medication Records
Medication records should by filed at end of school year in:
Student health record for students without an IEP.
Special Education Files for students with an IEP.

22. Handling Unexpected Situations
Student does not come for medication at scheduled time.
Send for
Document
Notify parent
Student refuses medication.
Encourage
Student vomits or spits out medication.
Check for symptoms of communicable disease

23. Medication Errors
Report medication errors immediately to school nurse, building administrator, and parent
Omissions
Medication administered to wrong student
Inaccurate dose or wrong medication
Wrong time
Incorrect route

24. Side Effects All medication has the potential for side effects.
Refer to “Medication Fact Sheet.”
Report promptly any unusual symptoms or behaviors to school nurse and parent.

25. Student Self-Medication
Requires no assistance.
Requires no documentation that medication was taken.
Student and parent to sign a self-medication agreement and have on file with Medication Authorization form in the office.
Controlled substances to be discussed with the School Nurse.

26. Field Trips or off-Campus Activities
Staff person trained in medication administration must accompany group if medications will be required.
Keep in original container.
Sign in and out.
Document administration on return.

27. Medication Alert
School staff are protected by careful observation of regulations of the medication law, rules, and their own district policy.