Medication Policy . . .

There is nationwide awareness and concern for the increase of in-school dispensing of medication including a broad spectrum of patent medicines. In keeping with the district’s educational effort to encourage precaution and restraint in this important aspect of daily health care, the Marple Newtown School Board adopted the following policy:

The school nurse (RN) may administer emergency medication by Standing Order issued by the school physician (restricted to ipecac, injectable adrenalin and oxygen).

Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antacids, antidiarrheals, antitussives, antihistamines, and decongestants are the only authorized over-the-counter medications supplied in the school. These may be administered by the school nurse or designee acting under the direction of the school nurse.

Prescribed medication must be administered by the school nurse or designee. In compliance with the policy, a copy of the prescription signed by the physician and the information on the medication form must be complete and on file in the nurse’s office for each request. Medication forms are available in the nurse’s office. Medications that are to be administered to the student in school must be identified, in a pharmacy- provided prescription container (not plastic bags, envelopes, etc.) and stored in the school nurse’s office. The prescription container is required for the nurse to administer prescribed medication to a student in school.

Students are not permitted to carry any medications or pills of any kind.* All medication/pills (including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), diet preparations and dietary supplements and vitamins)* must be brought to the nurse’s office, in the original packaging, by the parent, (unless other arrangements are made with the nurse), administered under the supervision of the nurse or her designees, and stored in a designated secure location within the nurse’s office. Parents are encouraged not to send in (OTC) medications for the school nurse or designee to administer. However, if the physician recommends an OTC medication, it will be given as any other prescribed medication. It is wise to notify the School Nurse of all medications your child is taking in case he/she develops an allergic reaction or incompatibility.

* Some medications, such as asthma inhalers and epi-pens, may be carried by the student if a Self-Carry Medication Form has been completed and is on file in the nurse's office. Please contact your school nurse for further information.