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Medications at School

Schools can directly impact a student's readiness to learn by having the tools to administer medication in the school setting. Ideally, medications should be given at home before or after school. During school and school-sponsored activities, students may require medication for the following reasons: 

  • Chronic Conditions: Conditions lasting one year or more, such as asthma or diabetes, that may affect their ability to participate in class activities. 

  • Acute Conditions: Conditions that may require temporary medication, such as an antibiotic for an infection; or

  • Emergency Situations: Scenarios that might require immediate medication, such as a rescue inhaler for asthma, epinephrine for a food allergy, glucagon for a diabetic emergency, or naloxone for an overdose. 

Students who require medications at school are required to have either an emergency action plan or a medication administration form on file. Written authorization from the parent or guardian and the prescribing physician is required before administering any medication at school, including prescription (physician authorization required) and over-the-counter medications. Medication forms are only valid for the school year, not from when the medication form was provided. Physicians may authorize students to self-carry emergency medication. Students in grades 7-12 may be given permission to self-carry over-the-counter medication once approved by the nurse/administrator. Medications must be picked up by the parent/guardian by the last day of school. Any medications left in the clinic will be disposed of.