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 (hereafter "parent") 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. Administration of medication may also occur consistent with board policy 507.4R1 - Stock Epinephrine Auto-Injector Supply.
When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by the licensed health personnel working under the auspice of the school with collaboration the parent or guardian, individual’s health care provider or education pursuant to 050.14.2(256). 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, respiratory distress or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon approval of their parents and prescribing licensed health care professional physician regardless of competency.
Persons administering medication shall include authorized practitioners, such as the licensed registered nurses, physician, and persons to whom authorized practitioners have delegated the administration of medication (who have successfully completed a medication administration course conducted by a registered nurse or pharmacist that is provided by the department of education). The medication administration course is completed every five years with an annual procedural skills check completed with a registered nurse or a pharmacist. 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. The development of emergency protocols for medication-related reactions is required. Medication information shall be confidential information as provided by law.
Disposal of unused, discontinued/recalled or expired abandoned 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 need 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: School districts may stock over-the-counter, nonprescription medications that are not for life-threatening incidents. The policy for medication administration covers prescription and nonprescription medication.
Legal Reference:
Disposing on Behalf of Ultimate Users, 79 Fed. Reg. 53520, 53546 (Sept. 9, 2014)
Iowa Code §§124.101(1), 147.107, 152.1, 155A.4(2); 280.16, 280.23.
281 IAC §14.1,2
Cross Reference:
507.4R1 Stock Epinephrine Auto-Injector Supply
603.3 Special Education
607.2 Student Health Services
607.2-R1 Student Health Services - Regulation
Approved: 2/10/1997 Reviewed: 08/14/2023 Revised: 08/14/2023