APACHE JUNCTION SCHOOL DISTRICT #43
MEDICATION POLICY
1. Students are NOT allowed to carry any medications on school property-prescription or over-the-counter. This includes pain reliever; medicated eye drops/ear drops, medicated ointment/lotion, medicated sprays, vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, inhalers, cough drops, or anything that resembles a pill or other form of medication. Parents/Guardians must deliver medications to the school.
2. All medications are to be kept and administered by the school nurse or other persons designated by the administrator. Drugs are kept in their original containers and locked in medicine cabinet. (see exceptions #8 and #10)
3. A written consent to administer medications must be signed by the parent/guardian for any medication. (Consent form)
4. Verbal permission is acceptable for one (1) day only. Signed permission shall be obtained following that first day.
5. In the absence of the school nurse, including field trips, the school administrator shall designate a school employee to administer the medication to the student. Designated personnel should receive in-service training from the school nurse prior to providing such assistance. The in-service training shall include: a. Legal requirements, b. Methods of administration, c. Contraindications, d. Possible signs and symptoms of adverse side effects, omissions and/or overdose, e. Proper handling and storage, f. Record keeping, and g. Emergency procedures.
6. School nurses may package a student's medication in a pill envelope for the purpose of sending it on a field trip. Each envelope should contain 1 dose only and be carefully labeled with student name, medication, dosage, date/time to be given, and nurse's signature.
7. According to minimum standards for school buses and school bus drivers (ARS), school buses/drivers are not able to transport medications.
8. In emergency cases for life/death issues, a parent may sign a waiver to allow their child to carry medication such as epipen, glucagon, and humalog. A physician must also sign the waiver stating that it is necessary for the child to carry the medication and tha tthe child has been trained and demonstrates ability to safely self-administer the medication. (Waiver)
9. No medication can be given after the expiration date.
10. In Grades 6-12 only: Nurses may give consent for some medicated items to be carried if the medication poses no real threat to the student or other students (ie., small roll of Tums, eye-wetting drops, etc.) a. Inhalers may be carried if proof of prescription is provided and a parent/guardian signs an informed consent in which they accept responsibility for any misuse or abuse of the inhaler and understands the possible dangers to their child and others if misused. b. Cough Drops and Throat Lozenges may be carried. (Waiver)
11. Over-the-Counter Medications: When it is necessary for a student to receive a medication that does not require a prescription but is sold, offered, promoted, and advertised to the general public, the following proedure has been established to ensure the protection of the school and the student: a. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original manufacturer's packaging with dosage, side effects, and ingredient information on it. Medication bought in plastic bags or other secondary containers may NOT be given. b. Nurses and other staff may not administer any herbal or dietary supplements of any form unless approved by the FDA and packaged by a pharmaceutical company. Students may not be in possession of any such thing. If parents feel their children are in need of those remedies, they should be encouraged to give them before and after school in the home.