In order to ensure that students have access to a reasonable standard of support for their health needs whilst attending school or school-based activities, a request for school staff to administer medication during school hours should be considered only when there is no other alternative in relation to the treatment of specific medical conditions or when a prescribing health practitioner has determined that the administration of medication at school is necessary.
Bounty Boulevard State School requires medical authorisation from a prescribing health practitioner to administer any medication to students (including over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or alternative medicines).
Responsibilities
The principal is responsible for the receipt, storage, training in and administration of medications for students attending school or school-based activities.
Information for Parents
Medications must be taken to the school office and accompanied by completed a request to administer medication at school permission form, available from the school office. This form details the student's name, dosage and time to be taken as per the General Practitioner's instruction. A pharmacy label must be attached to the medication bottle/ package.
Communication with the School
- notify the school if the student requires medication during school or school-based activities (including camps and excursions) via:
- a letter (for short term medication) or
- a request to administer medication at school permission form, completed and signed by the parent and the prescribing health practitioner, if the student has a chronic (long term) medical condition and requires routine or emergency medications
- notify the school in writing of any requests and/or guidelines provided by the students' prescribing health practitioner concerning medication administration
- consult with the school to develop an Emergency Health Plan if emergency medication is required for the student
- notify the school in writing (with an accompanying letter from the prescribing health practitioner) when changes occur to the students' routine or emergency medication
- notify the school in advance (in writing) if medication is being transported with the student for purposes other than administration at school (respite, shared parental arrangements)
- advise school in writing and collect medication when it is no longer required at school.
Communication with Health Practitioners and Pharmacists:
- where possible ask the prescribing health practitioner if the required medication is available in a form which minimises or eliminates the need to administer medication at school
- discuss the option with the dispensing pharmacist to supply the medication in a multi-dose pack with clear administration directions (particularly when multiple medications are prescribed)
- Obtain written advice from the prescribing health practitioner if the dose is to be varied in response to specific criteria (e.g. blood glucose level, behaviour).
Supplying Medication and Written Advice:
- provide the medication in person or via a delegated adult in a safe manner to the school and in the original container (rather than send medication with the student if possible) with the medical authority attached
- provide an Action Plan for Anaphylaxis or Asthma completed by the student's medical practitioner when medication is prescribed to manage emergency health conditions/situations for these health conditions
- ensure the medication supply has not expired and is adequate for the agreed time period, and replenished as required (school may notify).