Administration of Medication

Medication should be administered at home whenever possible. If necessary, medication can be administered at school by the school Health Assistant or delegated staff under the following circumstances:

• 1. Medication must be brought to the health office by an adult 18 years of age or older.
• 2. Nonprescription medication brought to school must be submitted to LTS by a parent along with a completed Medication Consent form. The medication must also be in the original and properly labeled container.
• 3. All over-the-counter medication may be given for a period of three consecutive days only by the health office. For medication to continue, a healthcare provider statement must be submitted to the health office. This ensures that the use of this medication is not masking symptoms of a serious illness or condition.
• 4. Prescription medications administered during school hours must be prescribed by a physician or advanced nurse practitioner (“ANP”) and filled by a pharmacist licensed in the State of Texas. In accordance with the Texas Board of Nursing Practice Act, LTS will not administer medications prescribed or fulfilled in Mexico or any other country outside of the United States.
• 5. Prescription medications must be submitted in a labeled container showing the student’s name, name of the medication, reason the medication is being given, proper dosage amounts, the time the medication must be taken, and the method used to administer the medication. Medications sent in plastic baggies or unlabeled containers will NOT be administered.
• 6. If the substance is herbal or a dietary supplement, it must be provided by the parent and will be administered only if required by the student’s IEP or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.
• 7. Only the amount of medication needed should be delivered to LTS, e.g., enough medication to last one day or one week. In cases of prolonged need, send in the amount for a clearly specified period, not to exceed a 30-day supply. Extra medication will not be sent home with the student.
• 8. In certain emergency situations, LTS may administer a nonprescription medication to a student, but only in accordance with the guidelines developed by the school’s medical advisor and when the parent has previously provided written consent for emergency treatment.

Changes to daily medications require written instruction from the physician or ANP and written permission from the parent. Parents are responsible for advising LTS that a medication has been discontinued.

Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medication

Asthma and anaphylaxis are life-threatening conditions, and students with those conditions are entitled to possess and self-administer prescription medication while on LTS property or at school-related events.

Student possession and self-administration of asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school requires the student to demonstrate his or her ability to self-administer the medication to the student’s physician or other licensed health care provider and the school nurse, if available. Requirements also include written authorization from the student’s parent and physician or other licensed health care provider on file in the school office indicating the student is capable of independently administering his or her own asthma or emergency anaphylaxis medication. Medication in a student’s possession must be in an original container with a prescription label. Please note that most pharmacies will place a label on the inhaler device upon request.