MEDICINE AT SCHOOL

  In most cases, the medication time can be adjusted so that medicine does not need to be taken during school hours.  Unless the doctor specifies an exact time, medicines that are labeled to be taken “two to three times a day” are to be given outside of school hours (before school, after school, at bedtime.)  In the rare instance when it is necessary to take prescription medicine during school hours, the school is required to have a written request from the parent, legal guardian or other person having legal control of the student before medication may be given at school.  The medication should be taken to the clinic.  It is recommended there be no more than one week’s supply at the school.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to see that the medicine is picked up from the school at the end of the day or the end of the week, as appropriate.  Non-prescription medication may not be brought to or used at school because even the simplest and safest of medications can mask symptoms of illness and/or create undesirable reactions.

 

Prescription medication must be:

ü  Issued by a United States pharmacy

ü  Current

ü  In the original container

ü  Properly labeled

ü  Brought to the school by the parents or guardian and not the student.

 

In addition:  Students must be free of fever, vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.  Students must be free of headlice and nits.  If a student is sent home from school with headlice or nits the nurse must check him or her before returning to class.  A parent or other adult must accompany the child to the clinic.  Students who have been sent home for head lice or nits should receive prompt treatment and return to school the following day, if free of live organisms and nits (eggs).  If the student does not return to school the day after being sent home for head lice it will be an unexcused absence.  (www.1pasadenaisd.org/handbooks).

 

Sample medication issued by a U.S. physician requires a written directive from that physician in order to be given during school hours.  Prescription medications containing codeine or other narcotics are not to be brought to school. 

 

  Students disregarding the above restrictions may be held in violation of the District’s Drug Abuse Policy and shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.