The Weathersfield Local School District encourages, to the greatest extent possible, the administration of medication outside of school hours. On the occasion that medication must be taken at school, the Medication Policy and Guidelines (5330) must be followed. The enforcement of this Policy is to provide every student in our district with the utmost safety in receiving medications at school, and to assure safe delivery of the medication to and from the school, while abiding by the laws set forth by the state of Ohio (Senate Bill 262; O.R.C. 3313.711, 3313.712, and 3313.713).
A summary of the Medication Policy follows:
- “Medication” includes all prescriptive and over-the-counter drugs (such as Tylenol, cough drops, etc.);
- Before any medication will be administered, Form 5330 F1 (or 5330 F2) must be completed and signed by the parent and physician;
- All medication is to be transported to and from the school by the parent;
- Medication MAY NOT be sent to school on or with the child, except for emergency medication, such as that prescribed for diagnosed conditions of allergies, respiratory problems, diabetes, or other conditions;
- The medication must be delivered to the school in its original container; labeled with the date; the name of the student; the name of the medication; the exact dosage to be given; the route of administration; the frequency and time it is to be given; the physician name; any special handling/storage instructions; possible side effects; and the pharmacy name and number;
- Parents are to notify the school in writing immediately (Form 5330 F1) if there is any change in the use of or discontinuation of (Form 5330 F3) the medication. Telephone authorization is permissible with written authorization by the next school day; Faxing of the form is also permissible;
- A new form (5330 F1 or 5330 F3) must be submitted at the beginning of each new school year, even if the medication is unchanged from the previous year;
- Any unclaimed medication by the parent will be destroyed two school days after its discontinuation;
- The parent is responsible to instruct the child to report to the office to take the medication at the appropriate time; the student is responsible to report to the office and take the medication;
- Students who have Form 5330 F2 on file, under the instruction of the parents, are required to report the need for the emergency medication to the nearest adult in supervision prior to its use, and must be in the presence of the adult in supervision while taking the medication, and must report its use to the Board authorized employee immediately after its use.
- Each Board-authorized employee who administers medication will have documented in-service instruction by the Director of Health and Safety Services;
- The District, or any of its personnel, shall not be held responsible for any side effects of the medication nor shall be held liable for administration, improper administration, or failure of the administration of medication.
Inhalers for Asthma
Students have the right to possess and use a metered-dose inhaler or a dry-powder inhaler to alleviate asthmatic symptoms or before exercise to prevent the onset of asthmatic symptoms. The right applies at school or at any activity, event, or program sponsored by or in which the student’s school is a participant.
In order for a student to possess the inhaler, he/she must have written approval from the student’s physician and parent or other caretaker. The principal and/or the school nurse must have received copies of these required written approvals.
Epinephrine Autoinjectors
Students are permitted to carry and use an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) to treat anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions). The right to carry and use an EpiPen extends to any activity, event or program sponsored by the student’s school or activity, event or program in which the school participates.
Student possession of an EpiPen is permitted only if the student has written approval from the prescriber of the medication and, if a minor, from his/her parent. Written approval must be on file with the principal and, if one is assigned, the school nurse. In addition, the principal or school nurse must receive a backup dose of the medication from the parent or student.
Diabetes Medication
If a student’s treating physician determines a student with diabetes is capable of performing diabetes care tasks, the student is permitted to attend to the self-care and management of his/her diabetes during regular school hours, and at school-sponsored activities upon written request from the student’s parent/guardian or other person having care or charge of the student. Students may perform these tasks in the classroom, in any area of the school or school grounds, and at any school-sponsored activity. Students are permitted to possess, at all times, the necessary supplies and equipment to perform the tasks in accordance with the student’s treating physician’s orders. This right may be revoked if the student performs any care tasks or uses medical equipment for purposes other than the student’s own care. The student is provided with a private area for performing self-care tasks if requested by the student, the student’s parent/guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student.
