Medicines
by nurse nurse
August 22, 2007
MEDICATIONS:
Also remember when taking your child to the doctor, that notes are needed each school year regarding food allergies, prescription or over-the-counter medications, and if your child needs to carry an inhaler. All medications, including over the counter medications, to be given at school must be accompanied by a Medication Administration Form, signed by both the parent and the physician. Please keep in mind that even cough drops are considered to be an over-the-counter medication and needs the same documentation. Even Cough drops are considered to be an over-the –counter medication and require a Dr’s order for school.
If a medication needs to be given at school, your consent will also be needed on the form to allow the nurse to give and receive information from the child’s physician regarding the medication. The medication administration form serves as an order from the physician and the nurse must be able to clarify orders as necessary, or ask questions regarding the actions of the medication, or side effects. According to state guidelines, “it is the nurses right and responsibility to clarify any ambiguous or unclear orders with the physician”(quoted from Illinois Guidelines for Medication Administration in Schools, Illinois Department of Human Services, and Illinois State Board of Education.) There will be a place on the medication administration form granting us that permission.
