507.2 Administration of Medication to Students

POSTED: July 26, 2024

Code No. 507.2 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS

 

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. 

 

When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by an authorized practitioner with the student and the student’s parent.  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 may self-administer their medication upon approval of their parents and prescribing physician regardless of competency.   

 

Persons administering medication shall include the licensed registered nurse, physician, persons who have successfully completed a medication administration course, or be an authorized practitioner, including parents. A medication administration course and periodic update shall be conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist, and a record of course completion kept on file at the agency. 

 

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.  Emergency protocols for medication-related reactions shall be posted.  Medication information shall be confidential information.

 

Note: This law reflects the Iowa Department of Education’s special education administrative rule regarding administration of medication.  Since there are no rules addressing students not receiving special education services, IASB has written the sample policies and regulations to address all students.   

 

Iowa law requires school districts to allow students with asthma or other airway constricting disease to carry and self-administer their medication as long as the parents and prescribing physician report and approve in writing.  Students do not have to prove competency to the school district. The consent form, see 507.2E1, is all that is required.  School districts that determine students are abusing their self-administration may either withdraw the self-administration if medically advisable or discipline the student, or both.  

 

For more detailed discussion of this issue, see IASB’s Policy Primer, Vol. 17 #8 – June 18, 2004.

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§124.101(1), 147.107, 152.1, 155A.4(2), 280.16, 280.23 (2007)Education [281]—§41.12(11) IAC

Pharmacy [657]—§8.32(124, 155A), IAC

Nursing Board [655]—§6.2(152), IAC

 

Cross Reference: 506 Student Records

507 Student Health and Well-Being

603.3 Special Education

607.2 Student Health Services

 

Approved   

Reviewed   

Revised                   

 

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