Over the Counter Meds at School

[Allie911]

I am in the process of re-writing the medication policy for our school district and would like some input. We would like to add in the policy that students will be provided OTC medications such as Tylenol, Motrin and Cough Drops as long as they have a signed consent from parents. Does your school allow this? If so how is it managed. I am the only school nurse over 5 schools, k-12. The secretaries give out Tylenol without signed parent consents despite the current policy that states no meds will be given out unless a signed form is on file from the students parents and doctor we want to control this, but also do not want kids missing school for a headache or cough.

Any input? Thanks!

[mycsm]

We need three things in NJ in order to give meds (rx or OTC)

1) parent written permission

2) Physician written permission for the specific med

3) the actual medication in the original bottle

Order for motrin must say Motrin for pain, h/a cramps. cannot walk in with Tylenol for toothache.

no one gives pain meds but me.

[Allie911]

In Idaho there is no laws regulating OTC meds at school. Most schools do not have a school nurse and the secretaries are the ones handling all medication issues...including insulin. Yep it is scary, but it is the reality in many places now, especially with all the cuts in education funding. I will find out this month if I have a job for next year, which means the school district would once again be left with no nursing services. I want to have things set up so the secretaries can take care of the students in the safest most effecient way possible.

[pedigirl]

Oops, I forgot to mention, our policy also states that we will not give any medication containing aspirin (including Pepto), regardless of parental/MD permission.

I'm not being a smart aleck, I'm just wondering---why would you have to have MD permission to give OTC meds?? It's my thinking that since they are OTC, you would be fine with parental permission. I don't see Dr's taking the time to fill out a form for OTC meds...but that's just me?

It is outside our scope of practice in MA. Also the MD should give permission due to possible interactions with other medications the student may take that you are not necessarily aware of.