Board Policy JGCD: Medication

Medication

The health of a child is an important factor in the learning process. Cooperation among the health department, the private medical sector, the home, and the school is essential. In general, the administration of medication to students while in the schools is to be avoided. Treatment schedules which allow doses to be given at times other than during school hours are preferred and encouraged. Upon direction by a student’s physician, however, a parent or guardian may request that medication be administered to a student during school hours. When certified health personnel are unavailable, the principal must arrange for the administration of the medication(s) according to the physician’s written directive. The principal, with the advice of DeKalb County Schools Student Health Services, will be responsible for the establishment of a safe method of storage for medication(s).

The term “medication” shall mean all legal substances including but not limited to prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, inhalants, pills, tablets, capsules, liquids, “natural remedies,” herbs, vitamins, dietary supplements, homeopathic medicines, and all other legal drugs. Any student required to take medication while at school will follow the procedures of this policy and the accompanying regulation, JGCD-R, as well as any procedures designated by the relevant school administrator.

Medications must be administered by the appropriate personnel, and students generally are prohibited from carrying and self-administering medications. In accordance with state law, however, a student may carry asthma medication, auto-injectable epinephrine, and insulin upon written authorization by the student’s physician and written consent of the student’s parent or guardian. Students carrying auto-injectable epinephrine or insulin shall be instructed in the proper use of such medication and must certify that they will not allow other students to use such medication under any circumstances, subject to revocation of the privilege to carry such medication. Except in the case of willful or wanton misconduct, neither the District nor any of its agents or employees shall incur any liability for injury to a student caused by the student’s self-administration of asthma medication or auto-injectable epinephrine

Also in accordance with state law, school personnel shall be authorized to administer auto-injectable epinephrine, when it is available, to a student upon the occurrence of an actual or perceived anaphylactic adverse reaction by a student, whether or not such student has a prescription for epinephrine. Student Health Services shall ensure that school personnel are given information on how to recognize the symptoms of anaphylactic shock and the correct method of administering auto-injectable epinephrine. Except in the case of willful or wanton misconduct, no District or school personnel who in good faith administers or chooses not to administer epinephrine to a student under this policy shall incur any civil liability for any such act or omission.