Sacred Heart School

Student Medication Policy

The following guidelines are in effect at Sacred Heart School concerning health services to students:

1. All prescription drugs taken by students during school hours must remain secured in the nurses' office for the entire length of the illness. Medications can not be transported to and from the school on a daily basis.

2. All prescription drugs must be supplied by the parent/guardian along with a physician's written authorization stating that the medication must be given during school hours.

3. All original prescription drug containers must be clearly labeled with the student's name, the name of the medication, the name and phone number of the drug store, the name and phone number of the prescribing physician, and the time and dosage of the medication.

4. Whenever possible, medications should be given by the parent/guardian before and after school hours. Antibiotics prescribed for 2-3 times per day must be given at home.

5. Parents should keep their son/daughter at home during acute stages of any illness, especially when medication is necessary at frequent intervals.

6. Tylenol, aspirin, cough drops, and other non-prescription remedies can only be dispensed by the school nurse if sent to school in the original labeled container accompanied by a signed and dated note from the parent/guardian AND physician. These medications must be kept in the nurses' office.

7. Student's in personal possession of any prescription or over-the-counter drugs are in violation of the school's disciplinary policy and may be subject to immediate suspension or expulsion.

8. All requests for students to take medication must be renewed each school year.

Every child born on or after January 1, 1996 must receive three doses of hepatitis B vaccine or any vaccine combination containing hepatitis B virus prior to school entrance for the first time into Kindergarten or first grade. Students born on or after January 1, 1990 and entering sixth grade on or after September 1, 2001 must have received three doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Parents must provide documentation to Sacred Heart School verifying compliance with the NJ State requirement.

An asthma action plan with a specific treatment protocol prepared by a physician must be on file with Sacred Heart School for students with a diagnosed chronic respiratory condition. Parents may download a copy of the Pediatric Asthma Coalition of New Jersey form available on our website for use by their physician.

Diocesan Policy on Medication

In keeping with the recommendation of the American Medical Association and the State Department of Education, school policy will discourage administration of medication in school. Within the policy and its appendixes, the nurse refers to the school nurse or his/her trained designee. Realizing that certain circumstances may necessitate students taking or the nurse administering medication in school, please adhere to the following guidelines:

1. The parent and physician must submit an authorization form, which will be kept on file in the nurse's office, that will allow a student to come to the medical office to take required medication. No student may take medication except in the presence of the nurse. Teachers may not dispense medication to a student.

2. The nurse must dispense medication from its original, properly identified container in order to assure correct dosage. No student may carry medication without special written arrangement with the nurse.

3. Students may take over-the counter medication in the nurse's office from original containers with a filed permission form from the parent and physician.

Procedures/Guidelines: Administration of Medications

Should it become necessary to administer medication in school, note the following guidelines:

1. The parent and physician must submit an authorization form, which will be kept on file in the nurse's office, that will allow a student to come to the medical office to take required medication.

2. The licensed physician or nurse practitioner collaboration with a physician's written orders must be on file in the school's medical office. Orders must include diagnoses, name of medication, dosage, and timeline of administration.

3. Stored medication must be in original pharmacy labeled containers.

4. The school will provide a locked secure place for storage of medication and prescriptions.

5. The nurse may designate, in consultation with the Principal, a properly trained school employee to administer medication in the nurse's absence.

6. Only the nurse or parent/guardian may administer medications in school or on school trips.

7. The nurse maintains a file regarding medications.

Self-Medication

Pursuant to NJSA 18A:40-12.3, which grants nonpublic schools authority to permit self- medication for asthma and other life-threatening illnesses, a student must have the option to self-medicate following documented specified procedures as follows:

1. The parent/guardian must provide written documentation and authorization for student self-medication.

2. The parent/guardian must provide physician certification regarding the nature of the potentially life-threatening medical condition and certification that the student has capability, knowledge, and training to self-administer medication.

3. The Principal and/or nurse must provide student's parent/guarding with written notification that the school, its employee or agent shall incur no liability as a result of any condition arising from a student's self-administering of medication.

4. The parent/guardian must sign a statement acknowledging that the school, employees nor agents shall incur no liability arising from student's self-medication and that the parent/guardian shall indemnify and hold harmless the school, its employees, and agents against any claims arising from student's self-medication.

5. The school grants permission for school year with documentation. Parent/guardian must renew documentation each subsequent year by fulfilling specific requirements.

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