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School Health » Medication in School

Medication in School

Indiana state law mandates that prescription medications not be dispensed by school personnel without a physician’s order. Occasionally a student under medical care may continue to attend school. In these special cases and when parents sign a written request, school personnel may administer medication when the following directives are observed.

  • The school policy states that students will not have any type of medication, prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter), on their person or in their locker. The only exceptions to this rule are asthma inhalers and Epi-Pens both of which require a prescription and a parental consent form signed and on file with the school nurse. 
  • Prescription medications must be accompanied by a note from the parents and the prescription label along with written instructions including the name of the medication(s), dosage, route of delivery, times or frequency, and the duration of time during which the medication is to be dispensed. Only medications necessary to keep the student in school will be administered during school hours. Medications prescribed for a student (legend drugs) must be kept in the original container/package with the pharmacy label and the student’s name affixed. All medications are kept locked in the clinic. The nurse administering the medications will keep careful written records of each administration. 
  • Medications that can cause drowsiness or impair physical coordination (pain medication, muscle relaxants, allergy medications, or any medication that fits this description) will not be given at school. 
  • Over-the-counter drugs such as Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol, chewable antacid, and non-aspirin pain reliever are available for a charge of $.25 per dose if the parents have signed and returned the permission form on the Emergency Information Form. 
  • Any Over-the-Counter medication that may be periodically needed by the student during the school year may be kept in the clinic. OTC medications must be brought to the clinic in the original packaging that includes dosage, route of delivery, frequency of administration, ingredients, and expiration date. Any leftover OTC medication is returned to the student at the end of the school year. If these medications are not picked up, they are destroyed at the end of the school year. 
  • Herbal medications are not dispensed except at the prescription of a licensed physician. Any medication(s) that a student may require during the school day needs to be brought to the school nurse by a parent or guardian.