File: JLCD - ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTS File: JLCD - ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTSThe medication policy of the Billerica Public Schools (BPS) will protect the health and safety of students when medications are prescribed during school hours. The BPS adheres to Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) regulations governing the administration of prescribing medications (105 CMR 210.005), handling and storage of prescription medication (105 CMR 210.008), Epinephrine auto injectors and field trip medication delegation (105 CMR 210.100), and regulations governing the self administration of prescription medicine (105 CMR 210.006 Ch. 71 section 54B). The BPS also adheres to MDPH, and Board of Registered Nurses (BORN) regulations governing the administration of over the counter (OTC) medications.
Medications must be delivered to the school nurse and should be in a properly labeled prescription bottle. Medication may not be administered to students while at school unless such medicine is given to them by the school nurse acting under specific written request of the parent or guardian and under the written directive of the student's licensed prescriber (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant). (see below for exceptions)
BPS is registered with the MDPH to allow medication delegation to unlicensed personnel for field trips only. When the school nurse is not present during a field trip, prescription medications may be delegated to a responsible employee with parent or guardian authorization. The school nurse will train unlicensed personnel to administer epinephrine by auto-injector to individuals with diagnosed life-threatening allergies. The medication delegation and epinephrine training programs are managed, with full decision-making authority, by the designated school nurse leader or responsible school nurse, in consultation with the school physician.
Standing orders from the school physician allows the school nurse to administer OTC medications listed on the Emergency Form during the school day with parent or guardian authorization.
Exceptions:
The school district shall, through the district nurse leader, register with the Dept. of Public Health and train personnel in the use of epinephrine auto-injectors.
Following consultation with the School nurse, students who fall into the following exceptions may self administer medications:
1. Students with asthma or other respiratory diseases may possess and administer prescription inhalers.
2. Students with cystic fibrosis may possess and administer prescription enzyme supplements.
3. Students with diabetes may possess and administer glucose monitoring tests and insulin delivery Systems.
SOURCE: MASC March 2016
LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 71:54B
Dept. of Public Health Regulations: 105 CMR 210.00; 244 CMR 3.00
REVISED: June 12, 2017