Appendix L: Administration of Medications to Students, Policy JHCD

Policy JHCD 

The purpose of this policy is to provide consistent, safe procedures for medication administration in the schools and to enhance student health and stabilize medical conditions to support student academic achievement. Whenever possible, medication should be administered by parents or guardians. Under certain circumstances as outlined below and in JHCD-R, prescription medication and non-prescription medication may be taken during the school day. 

For students with disabilities and those who have been afforded accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to provide them with access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), all medications shall be administered in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.  

Prescription Medication 

Employees of the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) may give prescription medication to individual students with a written order or prescription from a “licensed prescriber” (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, optometrist and dentist) and a signed Authorization to Administer Medication form “signed authorization” from a parent or guardian. Such medicine must be in the original container and be delivered to the school nurse or the principal’s designee by the student’s parent or guardian. ACPS personnel will follow all written orders of the licensed prescriber. Self-care and self-administration of prescription medications will be addressed on a case-by-case basis including care for diabetes, asthma and/or allergies.  

Non-Prescription/Non-Controlled Medications 

ACPS school health personnel or trained ACPS staff may give non-prescription/non-controlled medications to students with a licensed prescriber’s written order and signed authorization from a parent or guardian. Such permission shall include the name of the medication, the required dosage of the medication, and the time the medication is to be given. Such medication must be in the original container. Secondary students with a signed authorization form from a parent or guardian may carry one dosage of non-prescription/non-controlled medication at a time, such as Advil, Motrin, and Tylenol, if such medication is not stored in the clinic. 

Epinephrine 

Pursuant to an order or standing protocol issued by the licensed prescriber within the course of professional practice, any school nurse, School Board employee, employee of a local governing body, or employee of a local health department who is authorized by a licensed prescriber and trained in the administration of epinephrine may possess epinephrine and may administer it to any student believed to be having an anaphylactic reaction. 

Discipline

Failure by students to comply with all the required elements of this policy and related regulations will result in discipline as outlined in the ACPS Student Code of Conduct.

Regulation

Regulation JHCD-R established guidelines for the administration of medication to students. It includes provisions for the handling, storage, monitoring, documentation and disposal of medication.