JLCD: Administering Medicines to Students
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Medication may not be administered to students while at school unless such medicine is given to them by the school nurse acting under specific written request of the parent or guardian and under the written directive of the student's personal physician (see below for exceptions). If a student has been approved for self-administration, a student who needs medication during the school day may be reminded to take the medicine by the school nurse or other individual designated by the school nurse in the student’s medical administration plan. This provision only applies when the school nurse has a medical administration plan in place for the student.
Exceptions:
The school district shall, through the district nurse leader, register with the Department of Public Health and train personnel in the use of epinephrine auto-injectors.
The school district may, in conjunction with the School Physician and the School Nurse Leader, stock nasal naloxone (Narcan) and trained medical personnel and first responders may administer nasal naloxone to individuals experiencing a life threatening opiate overdose in a school setting.
If the school district wishes medical personnel to train non-medical staff in the administration of nasal naloxone, the School Committee shall vote to approve such training and the Superintendent shall ensure that medical personnel have a written protocol which complies with medical directives and regulations from the Department of Public Health.
Following consultation with the school nurse, students who fall into the following exceptions may self-administer medications:
- Students with asthma or other respiratory diseases may possess and administer prescription inhalers.
- Students with cystic fibrosis may possess and administer prescription enzyme supplements.
- Students with diabetes may possess and administer glucose monitoring tests and insulin delivery systems.
- Students with life threatening allergies may possess and administer epinephrine.
LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 71:54B
Dept. of Public Health Regulations:
105 CMR 210.00; 244 CMR 3.00
