Saginaw Township Community Schools

Administration of Medications in Schools
for School Personnel

A variety of people are learning to help children with medications. Principals, teachers, paraprofessionals, school secretaries and others are assisting children - but only after careful instruction and with ongoing support and supervision from the school health programs staff.

The guideline includes information about medication policies, storage and handling of medications, and three routes for medication commonly given in schools. Record-keeping and side effects that might be expected from medications that are often given at school and preliminary steps to take in case of a severe allergic reaction are also covered. The policy includes the "Five Rs" to be followed when administering medication and commenting on the importance of communication with parents.

The following is a listing of the CONTENTS of these guidelines:

• Introduction/Confidentiality
• "Five Rights" of Assisting with Medications
• Instructional Objectives
• Important Guidelines About Medications at School
• Definition
• Training and Supervision
• Written Authorization from the Health care Provider
• Written Permission From the Parent or Guardian
• Over-The-Counter (OTC) and Prescribed Medication
• Parent Medication Authorization
• Student Self-Medication, Field Trips
• Safe Storage Of Medications
• Store All Medication in the Original Container
• Storage Locations
• Medication Consent Form
• Handling Medication
• Hand Washing
• How to Avoid Touching the Medication
• Cutting or Crushing Tablets
• Measuring Liquid Medication
• Three Common Routes for Medication
• Oral Medication
• Topical Medication
• Inhaled Medication, Asthma Management Plan,
• Rectal Medication
• Record-Keeping and Reporting Instructions
• The Daily Distribution Log
• OTC Log
• Field Trip Log
• Accidental Errors
• Actions to Take and Document in Unexpected Situations
• Medication Error Form
• Side-Effects of Medication
• Allergic Reactions
• Additional Guidelines and Summary
• Monitoring the Supply of Medication
• Disposing of Medication, Expiration Dates
• Special Medical Situations
• Notification Forms
• Quick Reference to Medication Administration
• Selected Resources and References
• Appendix