OTC meds in school

[luvschoolnursing, LPN]

I was wondering how you handle OTC meds in school. Do you require a physicians order for meds like Tylenol or just a parents note? If you accept a parents note, do you have written standing orders from your school physician? This is an issue in my school district now and I'm trying to se how other districts handle things.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

We have to have a Physicians order for all meds including OTC. Even medicated cough drops need an order. The only time an order isn't needed is for non-medicated cough drops then only a parents' note is needed.

[bergren]

NASN Medication Administration in the School Setting Position Statement: http://www.nasn.org/Default.aspx?tabid=230

You do not list your state - state Nurse Practice Act and state Pharmacy Acts regulate who can administer OTCs. Most states require a provider's order for OTC administration. Many states and most schools also require parental permission. You might want to post this to your own state's school nurse listserv: http://www.nasn.org/Default.aspx?tabid=60