Medication Policy
Dispensing medication is not the responsibility of the school. However, the school district recognizes that some students may require prescribed medication during the school day. In most cases, medication prescribed for three times a day does not need to be administered during school hours. It is most effective if administered every eight hours.
If it is essential a student take medication during the school day, the following protocol will be followed:
The school must be provided with written physician's authorization and permission from parent/guardian every school year in order to administer medication. (Download Authorization for Administration of Medication.)
Prescription medication must come to school in a pharmacy-labeled bottle. Medication will be administered according to written directions on the label.
Students may possess and use asthma medications as defined per Minn. Stat. 121A.221. The parent, school nurse, and doctor are involved in making this determination. Parents must notify the health office if their child will be carrying an inhaler or Epi-pen and also provide an extra inhaler or Epi-pen to be kept in the health office.
Administration of over-the counter medication (including acetaminophen and ibuprofen) requires written authorization from a parent or legal guardian. In special situations, a verbal request from a parent will be acceptable and is to be followed with written authorization. (Download Authorization for Administration of Medication.)
An adult must bring student's medication to the office.
Students in grades 9-12 may possess and use nonprescription pain relief in a manner consistent with the labeling, if the school district has received written authorization from the student's parent or guardian permitting the student to self-administer the medication. The parent or guardian must submit written authorization for the student to self-administer the medication each school year. The school district may revoke a student's privilege to possess and use nonprescription pain relievers if the school district determines that the student is abusing the privilege.
Complimentary and Alternative Medicines will not be administered.
Students with known bee, wasp, or hornet sting allergies should talk to their doctor about keeping emergency medication at school.
We care about your child's safety: Narcotic pain mediations will not be given at school, ie. Vicodin, Tylenol w/Codine, Percocet, Oxycodone, etc. If your child needs narcotic pain medication at school, he/she is not ready to return to school.
NOTE: You are in violation of state law if a student takes medication outside of the School Health Services office that has not been processed through that office and if required documentation/consent is not in place. This includes all nonprescription medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Authorization forms to give medication in school are available in each school's Health Services office, or the following form can be downloaded, completed and brought to the appropriate school office: