Medication Policy

At times it may be necessary for your child to receive medication during the school day. For the safety of all students, School Health Services strictly enforces the New Kent County Public Schools Medication Policy. Please do not ask the school nurse or clinic attendant to make an exception to the policy.
All prescription and over-the-counter medication (including, Tylenol, Advil, cold and cough preparations) must be administered by the school nurse or clinic attendant in the school clinic.
All medication must be in the original, unopened bottle.
A parent/guardian must transport needed medication to school. It cannot be sent with the child.

THE SCHOOL NURSE OR CLINIC ATTENDANT WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY PILLS IN A BAGGIE!

Medications are administered by or under the supervision of the Registered Professional School Nurse. The Registered Nurse is licensed by the State of Virginia, and practices under the Nurse Practice Act of Virginia. The Nurse Practice Act specifically states medications (prescription, or non-prescription) may be administered only if they have been prescribed by a legal licensed practitioner (i.e. physician, dentist, nurse practitioner).For this reason, a medication permission signed by the licensed practitioner is required for all medications administered at school along with written permission from the parent/guardian.
Forms are available at your child's clinic office.

ALL MEDICATION ORDERS MUST BE RENEWED ANNUALLY

Asthma medication
It is highly recommended that inhaled asthma medication be administered in the school clinic so the school nurse can assess the child's breathing and monitor his/her response to the medication. The following conditions must be met in order to possess and self-administer inhaled asthma medications:

Written parental consent that the student may self-administer inhaled asthma medications must be on file with the school.

A physician's order and signature on a prescribed medication form must be on file at school stating the diagnosis of asthma and approving the self-administration of inhaled asthma medications. The frequency and circumstances, which may warrant its use and attesting to the student's demonstrated ability to safely and effectively self-administer the medication.

An individualized health care plan (Asthma Action Plan) must be prepared, including emergency procedures, for any life-threatening conditions. The inhaler must be properly labeled by the pharmacy.

Permission may be limited or revoked after appropriate school personnel consult with the student's parents.

Self administration of auto-injectible epinephrine
It is highly recommended that student's with prescriptions for auto-injectable epinephrine keep at least one dose in the school clinic in event of an anaphylactic episode occurs during the school day. School nurses and clinic attendants are trained to assess and respond to severe allergic reactions that required immediate injection of emergency medications. The following conditions must be met in order to possess and self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine:

Written parental consent that the student may self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine must be on file with the school.
A physician's order and signature on a prescribed medication form must be on file at school stating the diagnosis of anaphylaxis and approving the self-administration of auto-injectable epinephrine. The frequency and circumstances that may warrant it's use and attesting to the student's demonstrated ability to safely and effectively self-administer the medication.
An individualized health care plan (Severe Allergy Action Plan) must be prepared, including emergency procedures, for any life-threatening conditions.
The auto-injectable epinephrine must be properly labeled by the pharmacy. Permission to self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine will be effective for one school year and must be renewed annually. Permission may be limited or revoked after appropriate school personnel consult with the student's parents.