Medication Guidelines

The administration of medication to students shall be done only in exceptional circumstances when the students health may be jeopardized without it.  Whenever possible, administration of medicine should be done at home.  For example, medicine ordered three times per day can be given before school, after school and at bedtime.  Additionally, you should check with your physician to see if the medication is available in long-acting formulations that need only be taken once a day.  Medications will not be administered at school for convenience sake.  If a new medication is started, the first dose should always be taken at home.  

Administration of prescription or non-prescription medication by school personnel may only be done according to the written order of a physician, and with written authorization of the parent/ guardian (MN Statute 121A.22).  (Authorization for Administration of Medications Form

A new medication authorization form is required if the medication dosage or time of administration changes, as well as at the beginning of each new school year.

A physician’s order is requested when a long-term daily medication is stopped.

All medications (prescription and non-prescription) must be brought to the school by a parent/ guardian. Medications will be kept in a locked cabinet in the health office. Controlled substances must never be carried by a student (this includes prescription medications for ADHD management, prescription painkillers and cold medications containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine).

Secondary students (grades 6-12) may carry and use non-prescription pain relief medications with written consent of the parent/ guardian (MN Statute121A.222).  (Authorization for Self-Administration of Medications Form)

All medication must be received in the original container. Prescription medications must be labeled with the current pharmacy label containing 1) the student’s name, 2) the name and dose of the medication, 3) the time to be administered and 4) prescribing physician’s name.

Asthma Inhalers- Students with asthma will be allowed to carry and use their inhaler as needed with written consent of the parent/guardian (MN Statute 121A.221). (Authorization for Self-Administration of Medications Form)  Elementary students are encouraged to keep inhalers in the health office to use when needed.  Inhalers must be labeled with a current pharmacy label and accompanied by a physician's order and Asthma Action Plan. (Authorization for Administration of Medications Form)

Epinephrine Injectors- Secondary students (grades 6-12) with severe allergies will be allowed to carry and use epinephrine injectors as needed with written consent of the parent/guardian and medical provider. Elementary students’ EpiPens will be kept locked in the health office or other designated area and will be readily available at all times (MN Statute 121A.2005).  EpiPens must contain a current pharmacy label and be accompanied by a physician’s order and Severe Allergy Care Plan. (Authorization for Administration of Medications Form)