Medication
Administration of Medications
The California Education Code states that any student who is required to take medication or receive a health related procedure that is prescribed by a physician during the regular school day, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the district receives:
- A written statement from the physician detailing the method, amount, and time schedules that the medication or procedure is to be administered and
- A written statement from the student’s parent or guardian authorizing the school district to administer the medication or procedure. (E.C. 49422, 49423)
All medications must be in the original pharmacy container with the original prescription label adhered to the container. Students may carry and self-administer prescription auto-injectable epinephrine and asthma inhalers if certain requirements are met. Parents/guardians who request school staff members to administer medications or perform procedures at school must recognize that school health personnel will communicate with that student’s prescribing health professional if the school requires clarification about that procedure or medication delivery, such as its dose, scheduling, side effects, or indications.
No other prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, or alternative medications may be carried by students on their person, in a backpack, or other container except as indicated above and with the express knowledge and permission of the school nurse. Limited over-the-counter medications may be available at some school sites and can be given only by a credentialed school nurse or trained health technician with parent or guardian consent on file.
Contact the school nurse if you have questions. Forms for medication administration or procedures are available at your child’s school and below.
Anaphylaxis Treatment
California Education Code 49414 authorizes school districts to provide epinephrine auto-injectors to trained personnel to use to provide emergency medical aid to persons suffering from an anaphylactic reaction.
Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe allergic response triggered by insect stings, foods, medications, latex materials, exercise, or in rare cases by unknown causes. This is a life-threatening allergic condition, requiring immediate treatment. Administering epinephrine to students during a medical emergency may help to ensure the student’s health and safety at school. Therefore, Bear Valley Unified School District has adopted a policy for giving life-saving epinephrine to students in need of such treatment.
This policy states that a credentialed, licensed school nurse or trained, unlicensed school staff under the direct or indirect supervision of the credentialed school nurse (or supervisor of health), may administer epinephrine in the form of an EpiPen during a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. The EpiPen rapidly delivers a pre-measured, sterile single dose of epinephrine by direct injection through the skin. If parent/guardian does not wish their child to receive this treatment, they must so indicate in writing within two weeks of the beginning of school.