ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTS

The Smithfield Public Schools administering medicines policy is designed to ensure that medication is administered safely and effectively to students during school hours, while maintaining compliance with the Rules and Regulations for School Health Programs promulgated by the Rhode Island Department of Education, 216 RICR 20-10-4.24.

Administration of Medication Generally

Except in an emergency or cases of anaphylaxis, only certified nurse teachers or parents/guardians are authorized to dispense medication to students. In an emergency life-threatening situation, all school personnel are authorized to administer medication. (“Good Samaritan” statute insulates a person who voluntarily and gratuitously renders emergency assistance from liability for civil damages unless the Samaritan is guilty of “gross negligence or wanton conduct.” R.I. General Laws 9-1-27.1) 

Parents are encouraged to administer medication during non-school hours. In no instance can a parent or legal guardian delegate to another person (neighbor, relative, friend) the authority to come to school to administer medication. Additionally, no student is allowed to transport medication to and from school, with the exception of emergency medications. All other medications must be transported to and from school by a parent or another adult. 

Students who require emergency medication must have an emergency health plan developed in conjunction with parent/guardian and healthcare provider. This plan will outline procedures to follow in case of an emergency. Emergency medications such as Epinephrine (EPIPENS) must be administered according to the emergency health plan attached to the student’s emergency medication. 

No medication will be dispensed if it is not properly authorized by a physician, not in an appropriate container, outdated, discolored, or one with which the school nurse teacher is unfamiliar until information can be obtained from a pharmacist or physician. Unless otherwise authorized by this policy, a school nurse teacher will be available to administer medication under normal circumstances. If a school nurse teacher is not available, every reasonable attempt will be made to have another school nurse teacher administer the medication. If this is not possible, it will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to administer medication. 

Possession of unauthorized medication on school property or at school sponsored activities is prohibited. Any student found carrying unauthorized medication (prescription or non-prescription) will be subject to disciplinary action. Additionally, students are prohibited from sharing, transferring or diverting his/her medication to any other person.

No school nurse teacher, school administrator, or school personnel shall be liable for civil damages which may result from acts or omissions which may constitute ordinary negligence when a student self-carries and or self-administers his/her own medication(s).

Medications, Prescriptions, and Over-the Counter Medication

Accordingly, medication may be taken by the student at school using the following procedures:

1. Written authorization is on file at the school from a physician indicating permission for the student to receive the prescription and over-the-counter medication. The document must identify the drug, indicate the proper dosage, route of administration, and when it is to be administered. 

2. Medication bottle is current with student’s correct name.

3. Written authorization is on file at school from the parent/guardian indicating that the student may receive the prescription and over-the-counter medication.

4. Medication will only be administered after the school nurse teacher verifies that all requirements have been met.

5. The documents on file from the physician and parent/guardian must be renewed annually.

6. Any changes in a student’s prescription will be treated as new medication requiring new written authorization from parent/guardian and physician.

7. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen may be given with parent verbal permission or written permission.  

Self-Carry

The Smithfield School Department shall permit students to self-carry and/or self-administer over-the-counter medication or prescription medication if the parent, school nurse, and physician enter into a written agreement that specifies the conditions under which a day’s supply of the medication must be self-carried and/or self-administered.   This medication must be supplied by the parent/guardian and must be stored and transported in its original prescription or manufacturer-labeled container..  The school principal shall be informed of the existence of the said agreement. The School Department reserves the right to revoke self-carry/self-administer privileges if the student is found to violate these policies regarding the safe administration of medication. 

Field Trip

In the case of a field trip or an activity away from school, it is recommended that the medication be administered before the field trip or upon return to school. A parent/guardian may accompany the student as a chaperone to administer the medication. Additionally, with parent and physician approval, a medication may be omitted for the day.  

EPIPENS, inhalers, and insulin may be carried by the teacher or designated adult, unless written authorization from a physician and parent states otherwise. If a prescription medication must be taken during the field trip or activity away from school and a parent is unavailable to dispense the medication, then a teacher or designated adult will carry other prescription medications after being dispensed by a school nurse into a properly labeled container. When a medication is due, the student will self-administer the medication with adult supervision. If a student is unable to self-administer these medications, a trained teacher or designated adult may administer the medication.

Medication Storage and Handling

All student medications stored within the building must be locked inside a secured cabinet or storage unit and labeled for individual use. All emergency medication, not including medication that is self-carried, must be stored in a secured area within the school building and closely supervised.

If a medication becomes discontinued or the child’s school placement changes, the parent will be notified to pick up the unused medication bottle. 

In the event of a missed dose or an error in administration, the nurse teacher will notify parent or guardian immediately.

ADOPTED:  December 7, 1998

REVISED:  June 15, 2015; October 7, 2024