504.31 - Administration of Medication to Students

The board is committed to the inclusion of all students in the education program and recognizes that some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program.

Medication shall be administered when the student’s parent or guardian provides a signed and dated written statement requesting medication administration and the medication is in the original, labeled container, either as dispensed or in the manufacturer’s container. Administration of medication may also occur consistent with board Policy 504.32-Stock Prescription Medication Supply.

When administration of medication requires ongoing professional health judgement, an Individual Health Plan (IHP) shall be developed by licensed health personnel working under the auspice of the school with collaboration from the parent or guardian, individual’s health care provider, or education team pursuant to Iowa Code 281.14.2(256). Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication. A written statement by the student’s parent shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated. By law, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress, or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use an epinephrine delivery system may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parent and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency.

Persons administering medication shall include authorized practitioners, such as licensed registered nurses and physicians, and persons to whom authorized practitioners have delegated the administration of medication (who have successfully completed a medication administration course conducted by a registered nurse or pharmacist that is provided by the Department of Education). The medication administration course is completed every five years with an annual procedural skills check completed with a registered nurse or pharmacist. A record of course completion shall be maintained by the school.

A written medication administration record shall be on file including:

  • Date;
  • Student’s name;
  • Prescriber or person authorizing administration;
  • Medication;
  • Medication dosage;
  • Administration time;
  • Administration method;
  • Signature and title of the person administering medication; and
  • Any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.

Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented. The development of emergency protocols for medication-related reactions is required. Medication information shall be confidential information as provided by law. 

Disposal of unused, discontinued/recalled, or expired abandoned medication shall be in compliance with federal and state law. Prior to disposal, school personnel shall make a reasonable attempt to return medication by providing written notification that expired, discontinued, or unused medications needs to be picked up. If medication is not picked up by the date specified, disposal shall be in accordance with the disposal procedures for the specific category of medication.

Adopted: 5/91
Reviewed: 4/11; 7/13; 10/14; 12/20
Revised: 4/12; 4/16; 10/17; 4/18; 6/20; 8/21; 3/23; 8/23; 2/26; 9/26
Related Policy: 504.31-E1-E2; 504.32
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 124.101(1); 147.107; 152.1; 155A.4(2); 280.16; 280.23; 481 IAC 620; 281 IAC §14.1-2
IASB Reference: 507.02
Mandatory Policy

504.31-E1 - Parent/Guardian Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Medication or Special Health Services to Students

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Student’s Name (Last, first, middle): ___________________________

Birthday: _________________________

School: ______________________

Date: _____________________

School medications and special health services are administered following these guidelines:

  1. Parent/guardian has provided a signed, dated authorization to administer prescription medication and/or provide special health services listed. Electronic signatures meet the requirement of written signatures.
  2. The prescribed medication is in the original, labeled container as dispensed.
  3. The prescription medication label contains the student’s name, name of the medication, the medication dosage, time(s) to administer, route to administer, and date.
  4. Authorization is renewed annually and as soon as practical when the parent/guardian notifies the school that changes are necessary.

Prescribed Medication: ______________________________________

Dosage: ________________________

Route: _________________________

Time at School: _____________________

Special health services and instructions, if indicated: _________________________
Discontinue/Re-Evaluate/Follow-Up Date for prescribed medication or special health services listed.

Prescriber’s Signature: _______________________ Date: _____________

Prescriber’s Credentials (when indicated for health service delivery): ___________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________ Date: __________________

Parent/Guardian Address: ________________________ Phone: ____________________

Additional Information: ___________________________________________

Reviewed: 7/13; 12/20
Revised: 10/14; 4/16; 10/17; 6/20; 8/21; 8/23
Related Policy: 504.31; 504.31-E2; 504.32
IASB Reference: 504.07-E(2)

504.31-E2 - Authorization: Asthma, Airway Constricting, or Respiratory Distress Medication Self-Administration Consent Form

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Student Name (Last, First, Middle): _____________________________
Birthday: _______________________
School: _________________________

In accordance with applicable laws, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress, or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use an epinephrine delivery system may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency. The following must occur for a student to self-administer asthma medication, bronchodilator canisters or spacers, other airway constricting disease medication, or to self-administer an epinephrine delivery system:

  1. Parent/guardian provides a signed/dated copy of the authorization for student medication self-administration.
  2. Parent/guardian provides a written statement from the student’s licensed health care professional (A person licensed under Chapter 148 to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, an advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under Chapter 152 or 152E and registered with the Board of Nursing, or a physician’s assistant licensed to practice under the supervision of a physician as authorized in Chapters 147 and 148C) containing the following:
    1. Name and purpose of the medication;
    2. Prescribed dosage; and
    3. Times or special circumstances under which the prescribed medication is to be administered.
  3. The medication is in the original, labeled container as dispensed or the manufacturer’s labeled container containing the student’s name, name of the medication, directions for use, and date.
  4. Authorization shall be renewed annually. In addition, if any changes occur in the medication, dosage or time of administration, the parent is to notify school officials immediately. The authorization shall be reviewed as soon as practical.

Provided the above requirements are fulfilled, the school shall permit the self-administration of the prescribed medication by a student while in school, at school-sponsored activities, under the supervision of school personnel, and before or after normal school activities, such as while in before-school or after-school care on school-operated property. If the student abuses the self-administration policy, the ability to self-administer may be withdrawn by the school or discipline may be imposed, after notification is provided to the student’s parent.

Pursuant to state law, the district and its employees are to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of injury arising from self-administration of medication or use of an epinephrine delivery system by the student. The parent or guardian of the student shall sign a statement acknowledging that the district is to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of self-administration of medication or an epinephrine delivery system by the student as provided by law.

This section to be completed by prescriber
Medication: ______________________
Dosage: _________________________
Route: __________________________
Time: ___________________________
Purpose for Medication and Administration/Instructions: ____________________________
Special Circumstances: ______________________________________________________
Discontinue/Re-Evaluate/Follow-Up Date: ____________________
Prescriber's Signature: ________________________________ Date: ___________________
Prescriber's Address: ________________________________________________________
Emergency Phone: ___________________

This section to be completed by parent/guardian

  1. I request the above-named student possess and self-administer asthma medication, bronchodilator canisters or spacers, or other airway constricting disease medication(s) and/or an epinephrine delivery system at school and in school activities according to the authorization and instructions;
  2. I understand the district and its employees acting reasonably and in good faith shall incur no liability for any improper use of medication or an epinephrine delivery system or for supervising, monitoring, or interfering with a student’s self-administration of medication or use of an epinephrine delivery system. I acknowledge that the district is to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of self-administration of medication or use of an epinephrine delivery system by the student;
  3. I agree to coordinate and work with school personnel and notify them when questions arise or relevant conditions change;
  4. I agree to provide safe delivery of medication and equipment to and from school and to pick up remaining medication and equipment;
  5. I agree the information is shared with school personnel in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws;
  6. I agree to provide the school with back-up medication approved on this form; and
  7. I agree that the student will maintain their own self-administration records.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________ Date: _______________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: __________________ Cell Phone: ______________ Work Phone: ___________
Self-Administration Authorization Additional Information: ____________________________

Adopted: 4/16
Reviewed: 11/17; 12/20
Revised: 3/23; 8/23; 9/26
Related Policy: 504.31; 504.31-E1; 504.32
IASB Ref: 507.02-E(1)

504.31-E3 - Parent/Guardian Authorization and Release Form for Independent Self Carry and Administration of Prescribed Medication or Independent Delivery of Health Services by the Student

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Student's Name (Last, First, Middle): ____________________________________
Birthday: _____________________
Building: _____________________
Date: ________________________

I request the above-named student: (Parent/guardian initial below all that apply)

_____ Carry and complete co-administration of prescribed medication, when competency has been demonstrated to licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school. In accordance with applicable laws, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress, or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use an epinephrine delivery system may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency. The information provided by the parent for medication administration is confidential as provided by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws. I agree to provide safe delivery of the medication to and from school and to pick up remaining medication at the end of the school year or when medication is expired. If the student abuses the self-administration policy, the ability to self-administer may be withdrawn by the school or discipline may be imposed, after notification is provided to the student’s parent.

Prescribed Medication: ___________ Dosage: _______ Route: ________ Time: ________

_____ Co-administer, participate in planning, management, and implementation of special health services at school and school activities after demonstration of proficiency to licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school. The information provided by the parent for health service delivery is confidential as provided by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws. I agree to coordinate and work with school personnel and the prescriber (if indicated) when questions arise. I agree to provide safe delivery of the student’s equipment necessary for health service delivery to and from school and to pick up remaining equipment at the end of the school year.

Special Health Services Delivery: _________________________________________________
Procedures for abandoned medication disposal shall be in accordance with applicable laws.

Prescriber’s Signature (and credentials when indicated for health service delivery): _______________
Date: ____________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________ Date: _________________
Phone: ___________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________

Adopted: 8/23
Revised: 9/26
Related Policy: 504.31; 504.31-E1-E2
IASB Reference: 507.02-E(3)

504.31-E4 - Parent/Guardian Authorization and Release Form for Administration of Voluntary School Stock of Over-the-Counter Medication to Students

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PARENT/GUARDIAN AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM FOR ADMINISTRATION OF VOLUNTARY SCHOOL STOCK OF OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION TO STUDENTS

Student's Name (Last, Middle, First):
Birthday:
Building:
Date:

The district supplies the following nonprescription, over-the-counter medications that are listed below. Generic brands may be substituted (Select all that apply):

  • Acetaminophen administered per manufacturer label
  • Ibuprofen administered per manufacturer label

Voluntary school stock of nonprescription, over-the-counter medications are administered following these guidelines;

  1. Parent/guardian has provided a signed, dated annual authorization to administer of the nonprescription, over-the-counter medication(s) listed according to the manufacturer instructions. Electronic signature meets the requirement of written signature.
  2. The nonprescription, over-the-counter medication is in the original, labeled container and dispensed per the manufacturing label.
  3. All other nonprescription, over-the-counter medication not listed will require a written parent/guardian authorization and supply for the over-the-counter medication.
  4. Supplements are not nonprescription, over-the-counter medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and are NOT applicable.
  5. Nonprescription, over-the-counter medications approved by the FDA that require emergency medical service (EMS) notification after administration are NOT applicable.
  6. Persons administering nonprescription, over-the-counter medication include licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school and individuals, whom licensed health personnel have delegated the administration of medication with valid certification who have successfully completed a medication administration course approved by the department and annual medication administration procedural skills check.
    • Districts stocking the administration of a voluntary stock of nonprescription, over-the counter medications, collaborate with licensed health personnel to develop and adopt a protocol shared with the parent/guardian to define at a minimum:
      • When to contact the parent/guardian when a nonprescription medication, over-the-counter medication is administered;
      • Documentation of the administration of the nonprescription, over-the-counter medication and parent/guardian contact;
      • A limit to the administration of a school’s stock nonprescription, over-the-counter medications that would require a prescriber signature for further administration of a school’s nonprescription, over-the-counter medications for the remaining school year; and
      • The development of an Individual Health Plan (IHP) for ongoing medication administration or health service delivery at school.

I request the above-named student receive the voluntary stock nonprescription, over-the-counter medications supplied by the school in accordance with the district guidelines and protocol.

Parent/Guardian Signature:
Date:
Address:
Phone:

Adopted: 8/23
Related Policy: 504.31; 504.31-E1-E3
IASB Reference: 507.02-E(4)