Parent/Guardian Notice Medication Policy Change

What are the changes?

 Over-the counter medications will no longer be administered at school without a written authorization from a Physician, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or other licensed personnel with medical authorization to prescribe medical order (prescription).

 The school district will no longer purchase over-the-counter medications for student use.

Why Change?

While parents/guardians may give their child over-the-counter medicine without a prescription, South Carolina laws require school nurses to have a medical order from a health care provider for all medications administered to students. Over-the-counter medications sometimes have side effects. Some are harmful if taken by students with certain health conditions or students who are taking certain medications. As a school district, we often do not know student’s complete medical histories and what we do not know could result in harm.

When will the change begin? The policy will be effective beginning the 2013 – 2014 school-year.

What if my child has a condition that we normally treat at home with an over-the-counter medication? Ask your child’s health care provider to use the district medication form to write an order for the medication. We also need for you to sign the district medication form. Storage space at the school is limited, so buy a small container of the medication for school.

What will happen if my child gets sick at school? Most illnesses and injuries at school are not emergencies and can be resolved without medications. You will be called if your child does not feel better after rest and other non- medicinal actions. We are dedicated to meeting your child’s needs in a safe manner. Please call your school nurse if you have questions.