PolicyJLCD-E1 - UTAH Medication-Authorization
Emery County School District
Policy: JLCD - Administering Medicine to Students
Date Adopted: 19 October 1989
Current Review / Revision: 10 April 2024
The Board of Education recognizes that it is a parent’s responsibility to administer prescribed and over-the-counter medicine to their children. However, at times this may be difficult to do when students are attending school. Therefore, the administration medicines to pupils by school personnel will be permitted only under the following conditions along with a signed School Medication Authorization document from the Utah Department of Health & Human Services. Template is found at: https://heal.utah.gov/SN-documents/
Prescription Medication
1. The student’s parent or legal guardian provides a current written and signed request that prescription medicine be administered during regular school hours to the student.
2. The student’s licensed health care provider has prescribed as to the method, amount, and time schedule for administration. Also, a statement that administration of such medicine by school employees, during periods when the student is under the control of the school, is medically necessary.
3. The medicine must be stored in a locked cabinet in the school office. The medicine must be in a container with a pharmacist’s label designating the patient’s name, instructions, name of medicine and name of licensed health care provider.
4. A record must be kept of all students receiving such medication including a record of dosage and times taken.
5. Only those personnel designated by the principal and trained in the administration of prescription medicines may administer such medicines to students.
6. The school nurse shall be notified by the school of prescription medications that will be administered to students.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Parents of students requiring over-the-counter medication during the school day must either come to the school and give the medication to the students or follow the same procedures outlined in this policy for prescription medications. However, personnel, authorized by the principal, may administer Acetaminophen (Tylenol), 500-1000 mg, to students with documented permission from a parent/legal guardian, written or by telephone, for each time the medication is given.
Opiate Overdose Response
Schools in the Emery School District may keep opiate overdose treatment medication in a secure location on site. Appropriate training will be provided to school personnel designated by the principal regarding the administration of opiate overdose medication. Such training will be provided by the local health authority. Training will include recognition of an opiate-related drug overdose; appropriate response to an opiate-related event; administration of CPR; administration of the opiate antagonist; and follow-up action steps. All opiate antagonists will be provided to the school by the local health authority.
Student Self-Administration of Epinephrine
Students may carry and self-administer an epinephrine auto-injector while on school property provided that the student’s parent or guardian has previously provided the school with the written request and written health care provider approval.
1. The written request must state that the parent or guardian authorizes the student to have and use the epinephrine injector and that the student is responsible for and capable of self-administering an auto-injector.
2. The health care provider approval must state that: 1) it is medically appropriate for the student to possess and self-administer the epinephrine auto-injector; 2) the student is capable of appropriately self-administering the epinephrine auto-injector; and 3) The epinephrine auto-injector must be in the possession of the student at all times.
Student Self-Administration of Diabetes Medication
1. Students may carry and self-administer prescription or non-prescription diabetes medication while on school property provided that the student’s parent or guardian has previously provided the school with the written request and written health care provider approval.
2. The parent written request must state that the parent or guardian authorizes the student to have and use the diabetes medication and that the student is responsible for and capable of self-administering the diabetes medication.
3. The health care provider approval must include a written statement that states: 1) it is medically appropriate for the student to possess and self-administer diabetes medication and that the student must be in possession of the diabetes medication at all times, and; 2) the name of the diabetes medication prescribed or authorized for the student's use.
4. Glucagon may be administered by trained volunteers or affected students in accordance to Utah Code 53G-9-504.
5. Trained personnel or students may possess or store prescribed glucagon for emergency administration in accordance with Utah Code 53G-9-504.
No student is permitted to sell, share, or otherwise give to others any medication, prescription or non-prescription. Violations of this policy are subject to disciplinary action under the school’s drug policies.
School personnel who provide assistance as described in the medical provider’s written statement are not liable, civilly or criminally, for any adverse reaction suffered by the student as a result of taking the medication, or discontinuing the administration of the medication after so informing the student’s parent or guardian.