School Medication Policy

Whenever possible, medication should be administered before or after school.  All medication that must be administered during school hours requires a doctor’s order.  This includes Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Cold Medicine and other over-the-counter medicines.

  • Parents may come to the clinic to give their child a dose of medication whenever necessary.
  • If your child needs medication occasionally for headaches, cramps, etc. your doctor may write an order for Tylenol, Motrin, etc.  The medication must be kept in the clinic, but will be available when your child requests it.  Please do not send your child to school with Tylenol, Motrin, etc. in their pocket or lunch bag.

Students may not carry medication in school (Exception – students with special orders to self-administer medication such as an inhaler).  Students found carrying medication in school, may be referred to administration for disciplinary actions.  All medication should be brought to school by a parent or other adult.  This is done for the safety of all students.

Medication Order Forms are available in the clinic or online.  Written orders from the doctor must include:  name of medication, dosage, time medication is to be given or how often it can be given, duration of order (three days, school yet, etc.).  No medication will be given without appropriate physician orders.  Both the doctor and a parent must sign the form.  Each time there is a change in the prescription, a new form must be completed.  Medication orders are good for the current school year.

Medication must be in pharmacy-dispensed container labeled with the student’s name, medication, dosage, and date prescribed.  (No Ziploc bags with pills.) 

  • Non-prescription medications must be in the original, sealed bottle/box with the student’s name written on it.
  • Please check the expiration date on all medications, including inhalers and EPI-PEN’s.  Medication that expires during the school year will need to be replaced.  Medication that has expired will not be given.
  • Prescription medication will be counted when it is dropped off at the clinic.

Medication Administration

  • All medication is administered by the school nurse, or in the absence of a nurse, a designee of the principal if necessary.
  • Teachers will be informed if a child needs to come to the clinic for medication at a specific time.
  • Children, who know they have medication available at school, may ask to go to the clinic at any time.
  • Field Trips – emergency medication such as Inhalers and EPI-PEN’s will be sent on field trips.

Asthma Medication
Because quick access to reliever inhalers (Albuterol) is important, parents are asked to provide an inhaler for school use.  All inhalers should be labeled with the child’s name.  A medication order form or Virginia Asthma Action Plan must be completed by your doctor. 

  • A student must have specific orders from their doctor, as well as parent permission, to carry their inhaler at school.  Orders must specify that the child has been instructed in the proper use of the medicine and has permission to carry and self- administer the inhaler.  Inhalers may be kept in a pocket or backpack and must be handled in a responsible manner.  These orders must be rewritten each year.  Back-up inhalers may be kept in the clinic if desired.
  • Students in grades 5 – 8 are strongly encouraged to carry their own inhalers, particularly if they participate in the middle school sports program.

EPI-PEN’s
Please see the Allergy Policy.

Medication Pick-Up
Unused medication must be picked up by a parent/other responsible adult by the last day of school or it will be discarded. 

We appreciate your support in helping us to provide the safest possible care for your child.  If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse.