The OCSD recognizes and implements the New York State Education Law for the administering of medications in the school setting.

• It should be determined that the frequency of dosage demands that the medication be administered during school hours.

• The school nurse must have on file a written request from the Healthcare Provider,(physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner), in which indicates the frequency and dosage of a prescribed medication.  The nurse must know the condition being treated, the regimen of treatment recommended, and the frequency established by the Healthcare Provider for review of the case.  This request is required for over the counter medications also.

• The nurse must have on file a written request from the parent or guardian to administer the medication as specified by the Healthcare Provider.  A verbal or telephone request from the parent or Healthcare Provider is not acceptable from the standpoint of protection for the student.

• The medication must be delivered directly to the school nurse by the parent or guardian in its original container

No medication should be sent to the nurse with the student
The temptation to share a single or multiple dose is a real danger.

Self-Directed Student Medication

The self directed student is an individual who is capable and competent to understand a personal care procedure, can correctly administer it to their self each time it is required, has the ability to make choices about the activity, understands the impact of those choices, and assumes responsibility for the results of the choices.
Whether a student should be considered self-directed should be based on the student’s cognitive and/or emotional development rather than age or grade.  Factors such as age of reason and mental/emotional disability are additional considerations in determining a student’s ability to be self-directed.  A student is considered self-directed if they are able to do all of the following:

• Identify the correct medication (e.g. color, shape)

• Identify the purpose of the medication (e.g. to improve concentration)

• Determine the correct dosage is being administered and identify the correct time the medication is needed during the school day.

• Describe the consequences of not taking the medication

• Refuse to take medication if the student has any concerns about its appropriateness

Inhalers only are carried by the student or kept in their locker in Middle and High School only.
Elementary students are prohibited from carrying medication on their person.  Designated school personnel will assist the self-directed student with their medication when the school nurse is unavailable.

Emergency Medications

Medications used in the emergency treatment of certain medical conditions will not be considered self-directed.  All personnel, who are willing to assume the responsibility will be trained by the school nurse in the use of such medications in the event of an emergency when the school nurse is out of the building.

Medication Administration Record

The school nurse maintains a record for each student in the district receiving medications.  The log contains the prescription, the date, the dosage, the time the medication is received and the name of the school nurse administering the medication.  This log is completed for all medications including over-the-counter medications.