Hrsb.ns.ca

CODE: C.009
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS
CONTENTS
1.0
PRINCIPLES
POLICY FRAMEWORK
AUTHORIZATION
PRINCIPLES
The primary responsibility for administering medication to students is the parent(s)/guardian(s); Only prescribed medication that is determined a necessity in order for the student to attend school may be administered during school hours. The Halifax Regional School Board believes that students who require medication during school hours should receive appropriate care and support at school. School personnel may be authorized to administer prescribed medications required during the school day. Medication will be administered to students in a safe and respectful manner during school hours by designated school staff. School personnel have the right to refuse a request to administer medication, unless such roles are specifically defined in their job description. POLICY FRAMEWORK
Administration of medication to students will be in accordance with the Nova Scotia Education Act and the following acts and policies: 2.1.1 Nova Scotia Pharmacy Act 2.1.2 B.007 Life-Threatening Allergies Policy 2.1.3 C.011 Severe Medical Conditions Policy 2.1.4 B.014 School Trips Policy 2.1.6 C.006 Special Education Policy ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS POLICY
CODE: C.009
AUTHORIZATION
The Superintendent in authorized to development and implement procedures in support of this policy. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS POLICY
CODE: C.009
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS
PROCEDURES

CONTENTS:
1.0
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS
ADMINISTRATION OF NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION TO STUDENTS
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIPTION INHALED MEDICATION TO
STUDENTS
NON-EMERGENCY INJECTIONS
EMERGENCY INJECTIONS
POLICY REVIEW

APPENDICES:
A.
DEFINITIONS
FORM A: ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATION TO STUDENTS
FORM C: ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATION RECORD
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS
1.1.1 Ensure Form A is completed in full prior to administering any medication(s) to a student during school hours; 1.1.1.1 Upon receipt of Form A and prescribed medication(s): 1.1.1.1.1 Assign a staff member(s) the responsibility for the administration of the prescription medication(s). 1.1.1.1.1.1 Arrange training and provide information regarding the medication with school staff as necessary. 1.1.1.1.1.2 Ensure each medication is labelled with the student’s name, drug name, the prescribed dose, the time/administration schedule, and ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS PROCEDURES Page 1 of 6
Adopted: June 20, 2012
CODE: C.009
route the medication is to be administered. 1.1.1.1.1.3 Ensure medications are safely stored and according to instructions provided by the parent(s)/guardian(s). 1.1.1.1.1.4 Keep emergency medications in a safe, 1.1.1.1.1.5 Store non-emergency medications in a locked space with individual containers for each student. 1.1.1.1.1.6 Ensure medications requiring refrigeration are kept in a secure space, accessible only to school staff. 1.1.1.1.1.7 Ensure medication is administered in a manner which allows for sensitivity and privacy. 1.1.2 Ensure a medication administration record (Form C) is maintained for each student who requires a medication be administered during school hours; An entry in Form C must be completed for each dose of medication administered during school hours. Form C should be retained in a safe location designated by the principal. 1.1.3 Contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) immediately if the correct dose is not Notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of their responsibility to immediately transport the medication to school or arrange for the student’s return home for the remainder of the day; 1.1.4 Retain all forms relating to the administration of prescription medications for one year beyond the end of the school year to which the record pertains;
1.1.5 Inform all school staff, lunch supervisors and bus drivers of the students
who require medication administration during school hours when there is ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS PROCEDURES Page 2 of 6
Adopted: June 20, 2012
CODE: C.009
potential for symptoms that would require an intervention, as determined on Form A; 1.1.6 Establish a plan to inform substitutes, student teachers and volunteers of the students who require medication administration during school hours when there is potential for symptoms that would require an intervention, as determined on Form A; 1.1.7 Ensure medication required for students is taken on school trips; 1.1.8 Include a current copy of Form A in the student’s cumulative file. 1.1.9 Contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) immediately if a medication error 1.1.10 Call 911 in the event of a medication-related emergency. Staff members administering prescribed medication shall: 1.2.1 Ensure the five “rights” of medication administration are followed: 1.2.2 Complete Form C on a daily basis when medication is administered during 1.2.3 Ensure that high alert medications administered during school hours be witnessed prior to administration and co-signed on Form C; 1.2.4 Document student absences on Form C; 1.2.5 Report a medication error or near miss to the principal immediately; 1.2.6 Notify the principal immediately if the prescribed dose of the student
1.2.7 Support the student to take an appropriate level of responsibility for his or
her medication as directed by the parent(s)/guardian(s). ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS PROCEDURES Page 3 of 6
Adopted: June 20, 2012
CODE: C.009
1.3.1 Complete Form A when their child requires a medication be administered Form A shall be completed on an annual basis and updated when a medication changes. Form A shall be submitted to the principal. No medication will be administered to students until Form A is completed. High alert medications shall be identified in collaboration with a health care professional and indicated on Form A. 1.3.2 Provide the school with medication doses in the original container dispensed by the pharmacy that is labelled with the student’s name, the name of the drug, the prescribed dose, the administration time/schedule, and the route the medication is to be administered; 1.3.3 Provide a two-week supply at once of the prescribed medication to the school and when possible in single dose units; Exceptions to the supply may be made for those medications that require refrigeration. It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to dispose of all prescribed medication in the event medication remains in the school following the treatment period. If the correct dose is not available, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be asked to transport the correct dose of medication to the school immediately. Lack of medication in the correct dosage may result in a student being sent home. The Halifax Regional School Board is not responsible for failing to administer medication if parent(s)/guardian(s) have not delivered medication in sufficient dosage to the school. 1.3.4 Communicate medication storage requirements; 1.3.5 Provide clear instructions on what to do if the medication dose is late ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS PROCEDURES Page 4 of 6
Adopted: June 20, 2012
CODE: C.009
1.3.6 Provide information on the type of medication(s) the student receives at home, including the time(s) in which the medication(s) is administered; The student may be required to be sent home should the medication scheduled to be administered at home be missed. 1.3.7 Provide the school with a plan of action in the event the student experiences side effects from the prescribed medication; 1.3.8 Provide an adequate amount of medication for their child when Students requiring medication during the school day shall:
1.4.1 Communicate any side effects or symptoms of feeling unwell to a staff
person prior to, or after receiving a medication, as age appropriate and according to ability;
1.4.2 Carry an Epinephrine auto-injector device at all times while in school,
participating in a school event, or travelling with a school group when diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy; 1.4.3 Refrain from sharing medication with anyone. ADMINISTRATION OF NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION TO STUDENTS
No medications will be administered to students by school staff during school hours unless it is prescribed by a health care professional. Schools may prohibit students from bringing non-prescription medications to school and self-administering during the school day. In such cases, the school will communicate this school policy to parent(s)/guardian(s). ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIPTION INHALED MEDICATION TO
STUDENTS
A request by a parent(s)/guardian(s) for a student under the age of sixteen to administer his or her own medication by inhalation (“puffer”) must be made in writing, by fully completing Form A annually and updating as needed if any changes occur to the medication. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS PROCEDURES Page 5 of 6
Adopted: June 20, 2012
CODE: C.009
Schools may require puffers to be stored in the school office. In such cases, the school will communicate this requirement to parent(s)/guardian(s) and students annually. NON-EMERGENCY INJECTIONS
The injection of medication in non-emergency situations will be administered only by licensed health professionals, the parent(s)/guardian(s) or self-administered by an authorized student. EMERGENCY INJECTIONS
The injection of prescription medication for emergency situations will be administered according to the Halifax Regional School Board’s Life-Threatening Allergies Policy (B.007) and Severe Medical Conditions Policy (C.011). POLICY REVIEW
This policy will be reviewed every three years. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS PROCEDURES Page 6 of 6
Adopted: June 20, 2012
APPENDIX A
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS
DEFINITIONS
High alert medication: Medication that when used in error, has an increased risk for causing
significant harm to one’s body; serious medical consequences could result from failure to administer the medication(s) according to an exact schedule or specific manner prescribed. Near Miss:
As defined by the IWK, an event or circumstance with the capacity to cause harm, which has been detected and corrected before reaching the student. This “good catch” or “near miss” may not have reached the patient due to chance, corrective action and/or timely intervention. The path by which the medication enters the body. By mouth, directed towards the inside cheek.
Enteral Feeding Tube: By tube that passes through the abdomen into the stomach (G-tube:
gastrostomy feeding tube) or small bowel (J-tube: jejunostomy feeding tube).
Inhalation:
Inhaled directly into the lungs via a mouthpiece or face mask.
Subcutaneous injection: Under the skin.
Intramuscular injection: Into a muscle.
Prescription(RX):
Medication that can be purchased or given out only with written instructions from a licensed health care provider.
Non-prescription
medication:
Medication that does not require a physician’s authorization.
Reliever Medication:
A term used to describe a fast-acting or quick-relief medication. For example, Bricanyl and Salbutamol (Ventolin) are referred to as reliever medications and may be prescribed to treat asthma symptoms in an acute situation. Both of these medications work to relieve symptoms by relaxing the bands of muscle that surround the airways. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS APPENDIX A Page 1 of 1
Approved:
Revised: May 24, 2012
Rescue Medication:
A term used to describe a fast-acting or quick-relief medication. For example, Buccal Midazolam is referred to as a rescue medication and may be prescribed to give during a seizure to stop and/or shorten its duration. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS APPENDIX A Page 1 of 1
Approved:
Revised: May 24, 2012
APPENDIX B
Administration of Prescribed Medication to Students
SECTION 1 – TO BE COMPLETED BY PARENT/GUARDIAN Student Information
___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
Emergency Contacts
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ I hereby request, authorize and empower the Halifax Regional School Board to administer medication as described herein to the student named above. I release any staff member and the Halifax Regional School Board from any legal liability that may result from the administration of such medication. I also agree to indemnify the Halifax Regional School Board against claims at any time made by the student name or by MSI arising out of the administration of medication described herein. I also understand that no more than two weeks dosage of the medication(s) is to be in the school at any time and that I am responsible for completing this form in the event that the prescribed medication, amount or frequency of dosage, handling or storage requirements change. I acknowledge and understand that as a parent or guardian I am responsible to ensure there is medication in sufficient amount and dosage to meet the needs of the student everyday the student is in school and requires the medication to be administered. I also understand and agree that if there is insufficient medication at the school I wil be contacted to make arrangements to transport new medication to the school, or to make alternate arrangements for the care of the student for the remainder of the school day. I hereby release any staff member in the Halifax Regional School Board from any legal liability that may result from insufficient amounts of medication being available at the school for administration to the student." If my child is bussed to school, I also understand that I must provide a current photo of him/her for the purpose of providing all information contained herein to the transportation provider. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ APPENDIX B:
FORM A: ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS Page 1 of 3
Adopted: Revised: May 24, 2012
SECTION 2 - TO BE COMPLETED BY PARENT/GUARDIAN Name of Student
______________________________________________________________

Name of medical condition(s) requiring
medication to be given
during school hours: ________________________________________________________________

Note: Where possible parent(s)/guardian(s) are asked to establish a schedule for the administration of medication
outside of the school day.
Medication #1
Medication #2
Medication #3
Name of medication
High Alert
Administer by staff
Administer by staff
Administer by staff
Required intervention
Self administer with
Self administer with
Self administer with
staff monitoring
staff monitoring
staff monitoring
Dose of Medication
Frequency
Time(s) medication to be
given during school
Possible side effect(s) of
medication
Course of action in
response to side effect(s)
APPENDIX B:
FORM A: ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS Page 2 of 3
Adopted: Revised: May 24, 2012
Storage Requirements for
medication
Duration of treatment
(start-finish dates)
Date when medication
first prescribed
Symptoms of overdose
and suggested course of
State course of action in
the event a dose is
For feeding tube
medications only
Before med: ______ml
Before med: ______ml
Before med: ______ml
The amount of water to After med: _______ml
After med: _______ml
After med: _______ml
be flushed through the
feeding tube
___________________________________________________________
______________________________
APPENDIX B:
FORM A: ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS Page 3 of 3
Adopted: Revised: May 24, 2012
APPENDIX C
Administration of Prescribed Medication Record
TO BE COMPLETED DAILY BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL Student Name ______________________________________

Medications to be Administered/Monitored by:

Name _____________________
Signature ___________________
Initials __________
Name _____________________
Signature __________________
Initials __________
Name _____________________
Signature _________________
Initials __________

Parent(s) / Guardian(s) names, home and emergency telephone numbers:

Name ________________________________________________________________________________
Home _________________________
Emergency ________________________
Name ________________________________________________________________________________
Home ________________________
Emergency ________________________
Name and telephone number of health care professional prescribing the medication:
Name __________________________________________ Telephone _______________________
Date
Medication
Administered by (and
witnessed where applicable):
Comments
APPENDIX C:
FORM C: ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS RECORD Page 1 of 1
Adopted: Revised: May 24, 2012

Source: http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/files/downloads/pdf/board/policy/sectionC/C.009-administration-medication.pdf