The board is committed to the inclusion of all students in the education program and recognizes that 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 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. Administration of medication may also occur consistent with board policy 804.8 Stock Medication for Life Threatening Incidents.
When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by licensed health personnel working under the auspice of the school with collaboration from the parent or guardian, individual’s health care provider or education team pursuant to 281.14.2(256). Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their own inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors. A written statement by the student's parent/guardian shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when this competence has been demonstrated. By law, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress, or students with a risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents/guardians and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency.
Persons administering medication shall include authorized practitioners, such as, licensed registered nurses and physicians, and persons to whom authorized practitioners have delegated the administration of medication (who have successfully completed a medication administration course conducted by a registered nurse or pharmacist that is provided by the department of education). The medication administration course is completed every five years with an annual procedural skills check completed with a registered nurse or a pharmacist. A record of course completion shall be maintained by the school.
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
• Any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.
Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented. The development of emergency protocols for medication-related reactions is required. Medication information shall be confidential information as provided by law.
Disposal of unused, discontinued/recalled, or expired abandoned medication shall be in compliance with federal and state law. Prior to disposal school personnel shall make a reasonable attempt to return medication by providing written notification that expired, discontinued, or unused medications needs to be picked up. If medication is not picked up by the date specified, disposal shall be in accordance with the disposal procedures for the specific category of medication.
Legal Reference: Disposing on Behalf of Ultimate Users, 79 Fed. Reg. 53520, 53546 (Sept.9, 2014).
Iowa Code §§124.101(1), 147.107, 152.1, 155A.4(2); 280.16; 280.23.
281 IAC14.1
655 IAC §6.2(152).
281 IAC § 14.1, .2
Cross Reference: 506 Student Records
507 Student Health and Well-Being
603.02 Special Education
- 607.02 Student Health Services
Approved: 11/01/2004
Reviewed: 05/12/2014
Revised: 01/18/2010, 05/16/2016, 04/15/2019, 08/15/2022, 10/16/2023, 09/16/2024
