Code No. 507.2
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.
When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by an authorized practitioner with the student and the student's parent/guardian. 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 or other airway constricting diseases or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professionals 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). A medication administration course and periodic update shall be conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist, and 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. Emergency protocols for medication-related reactions shall be posted. Medication information shall be confidential information as provided by law
Disposal of unused, discontinued/recalled, or expired 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.
Note: This is a mandatory policy. This law reflects the Iowa Department of Education’s special education administrative rule regarding administration of medication. Since there are no rules addressing students not receiving special education services, IASB has written the sample policies and regulations to address all students.
NOTE: Iowa law requires school districts to allow students with asthma or other airway constricting disease to carry and self-administer their medication as long as the parents and prescribing physician report and approve in writing. Students do not have to prove competency to the school district. The consent form, see 507.2E1, is all that is required. School districts that determine students are abusing their self-administration may either withdraw the self-administration if medically advisable or discipline the student, or both.
NOTE: Disposal procedures reflect the Iowa Department of Education School Medication Waste Guidance, issued in May 2015.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §124.101(1), §147.107, §155A.4(2), §152.1, §280.23, §280.16, 280.23 (2013).
Education [281] IAC §41.404(3)
Pharmacy [657] IAC §8.32 (124, 155A)
Nursing Board [655] IAC §6.2(152)
Cross Reference:
506 Student Records
507 Student Health and Well-Being
603.3 Special Education
607.2 Student Health Services
Approved: 2/24/16
Revised 2/6/22
Grinnell-Newburg School District, Grinnell, IA