The School Board recognizes that some students need to take medication during school. For the purpose of this document, medication will be defined as any substance, whether prescription or over-the-counter, taken by any means consistent with general medication practice and with the intent of altering an existing condition. All students taking medication during school hours are to follow the procedures set out in AR 5141.21 Administering Medication. Failure to do so releases the District of any liability resulting from incorrect or improper use of this medication.
Medication given at school must comply with all Federal and State laws and regulations and follow current medical and District standards. Medication requests must be processed through the school nurse, school administrator or designee, or follow a written school policy. Requests for administration of medication that is not imperative for student health maintenance or school program participation may be denied. Delegation and training of school staff will follow standards and procedures defined by the Alaska Board of Nursing. Non-licensed personnel designated to administer student medications must have documentation of appropriate training.
Asthma Medications and Anaphylactic Injection
The Board recognizes that some students have allergies of such severity that they may require an emergency anaphylactic injection during the course of the school day. The Board also recognizes that some schools must have at least one non-licensed staff member prepared to administer this medication in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.
The Alaska Board of Nursing states that a parent/ guardian may delegate the administration of injectable medication for anaphylactic reaction during times when a nurse is not available. Training for administration of this medication shall be done by the nurse to the unlicensed school staff and shall be reassessed at least every 90 days. Training of unlicensed school staff by the nurse will authorize the designated person(s) to administer the injections within the legal provisions of law and afford appropriate liability protection.
The Board recognizes that some health care providers for some students have identified the need for these students to self-administer their asthma inhaler or anaphylaxis medication. Students will be permitted to carry and self-administer their own asthma inhaler and/or anaphylaxis medication provided they have written authorization for self-administration from their health care provider with written authorization by the parent / guardian and the student written agreement. This authorization will include a signed written treatment plan which will be kept on file at the school. Written authorization must be submitted any time there is a change and annually.
Parents/guardians of students who have an identified allergy resulting in anaphylaxis are required to provide the school with medical orders, information and medication for their child.
( cf. 5141 - Health Care and Emergencies )
Penalty for Violation
Any student use, possession, or distribution of medication is prohibited unless permitted by this policy and District procedures related to administering medication. Students who have obtained permission to carry and/or use medication are prohibited from sharing the medication or exceeding the recommended dosage. Students using, possessing, distributing, or selling medication in violation of this policy will be disciplined under District policies and rules related to alcohol and drug violations.
(cf. 5131.6 - Alcohol and Other Drugs)
Legal Reference:
ALASKA STATUTES
09.65.090 - Civil liability for emergency aid