Medication Administration at School

Please see Effingham County Board of Education Policy JGCD (Medication) which can be accessed via the link provided in the Appendix or by visiting: www.effinghamschools.com/medication-policy.

Chronic Health Conditions

Any student with a chronic health condition (such as asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, seizure disorders, etc.) must provide an Action Plan (care plan), signed by the parent and physician. The Action Plan details specific care and management of the condition at school. In addition, all supplies, equipment, and medication needed for the chronic condition are to be provided by the parent. In order to provide safe and appropriate care for your child at school, the Action Plan with doctor’s orders, medications, and/or equipment must be provided within two weeks of starting school. Failure to provide these items will result in the parent providing the care at school or the student will be excluded from school until all necessary items are received by the school nurse.

Immunizations

The state law of Georgia requires that all students enrolled in a public school must have an up to date immunization record provided by the parents/guardians, unless an affidavit of religious objection to immunization is submitted in accordance with the
provisions of Georgia Department of Public Health rule 511-2-2-.07. Minimum immunization requirements for the issuance of Georgia School Immunization Certificate (Form 3231) & attendance in Georgia schools are determined by the Georgia Department of Public Health and are available, upon request, at the local health department. Students who do not have a current complete immunization form 3231 will be withdrawn from school.

Medication Administration at School

• Whenever possible, medications should be given before or after school. Parents must inform the principal or school nurse of any condition requiring medication during school hours.
• Medications administered at school must follow these steps:
  • A signed physician’s order is required for all prescriptions.
  • A parent/guardian must complete a medication permission form.
  • All medications must be delivered by a parent/guardian in original, labeled and current pharmaceutical container; students may not transport medications.
  • No more than a 30 day supply of medication should be left with the school.
  • In the nurse’s absence, a designated staff member may administer medication.

Self-Administration:

• Students may carry and self-administer asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors, glucagon or other diabetic functions, or seizure medications with proper documentation from a medical provider along with written parental and student permission.
• Students must not allow others to handle or use their medication.

Emergency Medication:

• School staff may administer epinephrine, albuterol/levalbuterol, or opioid antagonists (e.g., naloxone) in emergency situations, even without a prescription.
• EMS and parents/emergency contacts will be notified immediately following administration.

Drug Policy:

• Students in possession of medication not following these rules (including OTC meds like aspirin) will be considered in violation of the school drug policy and subject to disciplinary action.

Additional Medication Guidelines

• Students are allowed to self transport cough drops, but no other over the counter medications (ibuprofen, tylenol, midol, throat lozenges, pepto, etc).
• Herbal/Alternative/Complementary Medications or Dietary Supplements are not to be given or self-administered at school.
  These alternatives are not FDA approved.
• Experimental (or off label) Medications: Children requiring treatment of a condition with these medications will require written documentation from the prescribing medical provider including the name, dose, condition treating, side effects, precautions, and any other specific instructions for administration at school.

Unanticipated exposure to blood or body fluids:

If a staff member or student is exposed to blood or body fluids, the affected area is to be immediately washed with soap and water or the area flushed with water, and the following protocol followed and documented:

1. Report exposure to the school nurse immediately following washing the area. If there is a needle stick, the nurse will report to the Board of Education Director of Benefits/Worker Compensation immediately but not later than two to four
   hours after the exposure. Employees will follow the guidelines for Worker Compensation injuries. Students/visitors will be
   referred to the local ER for evaluation of needed treatment.
2. School nurse will contact the local Public Health Office.
3. The Board of Education may require permission of the person whose blood was exposed to be tested for any serious infectious disease such as Hepatitis B and/or HIV.

Any additional medication situations not specifically addressed in this policy will follow the School Health Manual guidelines.

Head Lice Management

Schools will allow up to three excused absences per year for head lice. Additional absences will be unexcused. Schools will work to educate families on head lice prevention through staff efforts (nurses, teachers, counselors, and/or administrators).

The following procedures apply:

1. If lice are suspected, the school nurse must be notified.
2. Parents who treat lice at home must inform the school nurse.
3. Students must be brought by a parent for recheck and clearance before returning to class or riding the bus.
4. Students with active lice will be sent home; parents will receive instructions for treatment.
5. Students are excluded from class until lice-free.
6. Classrooms will be cleaned after cases are identified.
7. Parents of classmates will be notified if multiple cases are identified within the classroom.
8. Upon return, students must be checked by the nurse and show proof of treatment.
9. If lice are still present, the student must remain home until cleared.
10. Chronic cases will be referred to DFCS for additional support and the attendance officer if excessive absences occur.