507.2 - Administration of Medication to Students
507.2 - Administration of Medication to StudentsStudents may be required to take medication during the school day. Medication is administered by the school nurse, or in the nurse's absence, by a person who has successfully completed an administration of medication course reviewed by the Board of Pharmacy Examiners. The course is conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist. A record of course completion will be maintained by the school district. Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medication may self-administer their medication.
Medication will not be administered without written authorization that is signed and dated from the parent, and the medication must be in the original container which is labeled by the pharmacy or the manufacturer with the name of the child, name of the medication, the time of the day which it is to be given, the dosage and the duration. Written authorization will also be secured when the parent requests student co-administration of medication when competency is demonstrated. When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan will be developed by the licensed health personnel with the student and the student's parents. A written record of the administration of medication procedure must be kept for each child receiving medication including the date; student's name; prescriber or person authorizing the administration; the medication and its dosage; the name, signature and title of the person administering the medication; and the time and method of administration and any unusual circumstances, actions or omissions. Administration of medication records are kept confidential.
The school nurse, or in the nurse's absence, the person who has successfully completed an administration of medication course reviewed by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners will have access to the medication which will be kept in a secured area. Students may carry medication only with the approval of the parents and building principal of the student's attendance center. Emergency protocol for medication-related reactions will be in place.
The superintendent is responsible, in conjunction with the school nurse, for developing rules and regulations governing the administration of medication, prescription and nonprescription, including emergency protocols, to students and for ensuring persons administering medication have taken the prescribed course and periodically review the prescribed course. Annually, each student is provided with the requirements for administration of medication at school.
Disposal of unused, discontinued/recalled, or expired 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: Iowa Code ch. 124, 152, 155A (2001).
281 I.A.C. 41.12(6)(f), (11).
657 I.A.C. 1.1(3), 10.61(1).
Cross Reference: 506 Student Records
507 Student Health and Well-Being
603.3 Special Education
607.2 Student Health Services
Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 01-24-94; 12-15-03; 10-21-08; 12-14-11
Revised 02-21-94; 01-19-04
507.2E1 - Authorization - Asthma or Airway Constricting Medication Self-Administration Consent Form
507.2E1 - Authorization - Asthma or Airway Constricting Medication Self-Administration Consent Form_____________________________ ___/___/___ _________________ ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First) (Middle) Birthday School Date
In order for a student to self-administer medication for asthma or any airway constricting disease:
- Parent/guardian provides signed, dated authorization for student medication self-administration.
- Physician (person licensed under chapter 148, 150, or 150A, physician, physician's assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or other person licensed or registered to distribute or dispense a prescription drug or device in the course of professional practice in Iowa in accordance with section 147.107, or a person licensed by another state in a health field in which, under Iowa law, licensees in this state may legally prescribe drugs) provides written authorization containing:
- purpose of the medication,
- prescribed dosage,
- times or;
- special circumstances under which the medication is to be administered.
- The medication is in the original, labeled container as dispensed or the manufacturer's labeled container containing the student name, name of the medication, directions for use, and date.
- Authorization is renewed annually. If any changes occur in the medication, dosage or time of administration, the parent is to notify school officials immediately. The authorization shall be reviewed as soon as practical.
Provided the above requirements are fulfilled, a student with asthma or other airway constricting disease may possess and use the student's medication while in school, at school-sponsored activities, under the supervision of school personnel, and before or after normal school activities, such as while in before-school or after-school care on school-operated property. If the student abuses the self-administration policy, the ability to self-administer may be withdrawn by the school or discipline may be imposed.
Pursuant to state law, the school district or accredited nonpublic school and its employees are to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of any injury arising from self-administration of medication by the student. The parent or guardian of the student shall sign a statement acknowledging that the school district or nonpublic school is to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of self-administration of medication by the student as established by Iowa Code § 280.16.
Medication Dosage Route Time
Purpose of Medication & Administration /Instructions
/ /
Special Circumstances Discontinue/Re-Evaluate/Follow-up Date
/ /
Prescriber’s Signature Date
Prescriber’s Address Emergency Phone
- I request the above named student possess and self-administer asthma or other airway constricting disease medication(s) at school and in school activities according to the authorization and instructions.
- I understand the school district and its employees acting reasonably and in good faith shall incur no liability for any improper use of medication or for supervising, monitoring, or interfering with a student's self-administration of medication
- I agree to coordinate and work with school personnel and notify them when questions arise or relevant conditions change.
- I agree to provide safe delivery of medication and equipment to and from school and to pick up remaining medication and equipment.
- I agree the information is shared with school personnel in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- I agree to provide the school with back-up medication approved in this form.
- (Student maintains self-administration record.) (Note: This bullet is recommended but not required.)
/ /
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
(agreed to above statement)
Parent/Guardian Address Home Phone
Business Phone
Self-Administration Authorization Additional Information
507.2E2 - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Prescription Medication to Students
507.2E2 - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Prescription Medication to Students_________________________________ ___/___/___ _________________ ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First), (Middle) Birthday School Date
School medications and health services are administered following these guidelines:
- Parent has provided a signed, dated authorization to administer medication and/or provide the health service.
- The medication is in the original, labeled container as dispensed or the manufacturer's labeled container.
- The medication label contains the student’s name, name of the medication, directions for use, and date.
- Authorization is renewed annually and immediately when the parent notifies the school that changes are necessary.
Medication/Health Care Dosage Route Time at School
Administration instructions
Special Directives, Signs to Observe and Side Effects
/ /
Discontinue/Re-Evaluate/Follow-up Date
/ /
Prescriber’s Signature Date
Prescriber's Address Emergency Phone
I request the above named student carry medication at school and school activities, according to the prescription, instructions, and a written record kept. Special considerations are noted above. The information is confidential except as provided to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). I agree to coordinate and work with school personnel and prescriber when questions arise. I agree to provide safe delivery of medication and equipment to and from school and to pick up remaining medication and equipment.
/ /
Parent's Signature Date
Parent's Address Home Phone
Additional Information Business Phone
Authorization Form