507.2 - Administration of Medication to Students

The board is committed to the inclusion of all students in the education program and recognizes that some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program.

Medication shall be administered when the student's parent or guardian (hereafter "parent") provides a signed and dated written statement requesting medication administration and the medication is in the original, labeled container, either as dispensed or in the manufacturer's container.  Administration of medication may also occur consistent with board policy 804.05 – Stock Prescription Medication Supply.

When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by licensed health personnel working under the auspice of the school with collaboration from the parent or guardian, individual’s health care provider or education team pursuant to 281.14.2(256).  Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication. A written statement by the student's parent shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication when competence has been demonstrated.  By law, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency.   

Persons administering medication shall include authorized practitioners, such as licensed registered nurses and physicians, and persons to whom authorized practitioners have delegated the administration of medication (who have successfully completed a medication administration course conducted by a registered nurse or pharmacist that is provided by the department of education).  The medication administration course  is completed every five years with an annual procedural skills check completed with a registered nurse or a pharmacist. A record of course completion shall be maintained by the school.

A written medication administration record shall be on file including:

•     date;

•     student’s name;

•     prescriber or person authorizing administration;

•     medication;

•     medication dosage;

•     administration time;

•     administration method;

•     signature and title of the person administering medication; and

•     any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.

Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.  The development of emergency protocols for medication-related reactions  is required.  Medication information shall be confidential information as provided by law.

Disposal of unused, discontinued/recalled, or expired abandoned 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.

     This is a mandatory policy.      

NOTE: Iowa law requires school districts to allow students with asthma, airway constricting disease or respiratory disease to carry and self-administer their medication as long as the parents and prescribing physician report and approve in writing.  Students do not have to prove competency to the school district. The consent form, see 507.2E1, is all that is required.  School districts that determine students are abusing their self-administration may either withdraw the self-administration if medically advisable or discipline the student, or both. 

NOTE: School districts may stock over-the-counter, nonprescription medications that are not for life- threatening incidents.  The policy for medication administration covers prescription and nonprescription medication.

NOTE: Disposal procedures reflect the Iowa Department of Education School      Hazardous Waste and Medication Management Guidance, issued 2021-2022: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/waste/swfact_schoolhazardo…

Legal Reference:           Disposing on Behalf of Ultimate Users, 79 Fed. Reg. 53520, 53546 (Sept. 9, 2014).

Iowa Code §§124.101(1); 147.107; 152.1; 155A.4(2); 280.16; 280.23.

                                    655 IAC §6.2(152).

                                    281 IAC §14.1, .2

Cross Reference:             506                                                                          Student Records

                                      507                                                                          Student Health and Well-Being

                                      603.3                                                                        Special Education

                                      607.2                                                                        Student Health Services

Approved  June 20, 2022                       Reviewed                                              Revised: September 18, 2023