Medication Administration

• Prescription medication: No prescription medication will be administered to a student in school or during school-sponsored activities without a written physician/prescriber order and parent/guardian written authorization. Parents are responsible for obtaining the prescriber. A current pharmacy-labeled container can serve as the written prescriber’s order. A second labeled medication container can be obtained for school use by asking the pharmacist. 
   
• Over-the-counter/non-prescription medication will be given only with the parent/guardian's written authorization. Dosages must be dispensed per manufacturer label. Over-the-counter/non- prescription medications are to be provided by the parent/guardian and sent to school in the original labeled medication container with the student’s name attached. This procedure will safeguard your child against overmedication and possible unforeseen reactions. 
  • Elementary students will also require a provider order to administer over-the-counter medications at school. 
  • Supplements are not considered nonprescription over-the-counter medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration and are not to be administered at school. 
     
• The parent/guardian is responsible for submitting a new prescriber’s order form to the school each time there is a change of dosage or time of administration for prescription medications. Prescriber’s orders may be faxed to the school. 
   
• Students who must carry inhalers or emergency medications (epi-pen) throughout the school day need a written prescriber’s order on file in the health office. The order must specifically state the purpose of the medication, dosage, times for medication to be given, and/or special circumstances under which the medication is to be given; and that the student must carry the medication at all times. 
   
• To ensure the safety of all children, we request that a parent or another responsible adult deliver all medications to the office and/or health office. The medication will be kept in a locked storage box. 
   
• The parent/guardian will inform the office/health office staff of the number of tablets/capsules that are brought to school. 
   
• The first dosage of any new prescription must be given at home so the child can be more closely observed for possible side effects and/or adverse reactions. 
   
• The parent/guardian is responsible for notifying the school when a medication has been discontinued or changed. 
   
• The Iowa City Community School District does not assume responsibility for medication not prescribed by a physician/prescriber or medication administered by the student himself/herself. 
   
• No medication will be continued beyond the school year in which it is ordered. 
   
• Disposal of unused, discontinued/recalled, or expired medication shall be in compliance with federal and state law. Prior to disposal school personnel shall make a reasonable attempt to return medication by providing written notification that expired, discontinued, or unused medications need to be picked up. If medication is not picked up by the date specified, disposal shall be in accordance with the disposal procedures for the specific category of medication  

Please contact your child's school nurse with any questions or concerns.