Policies  :  Forms

Administration of Medications, Food Supplements, or Modified Diets

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State law requires that the Center obtain written instructions signed by a licensed physician or dentist and written and dated instructions signed by the parent or guardian on the prescribed form each time a medication, food supplement, or modified diet is to be administered. A Request for Administration of Medication form is available upon request at the office. In order for a medication, food supplement, or modified diet to be administered by the Center, written instructions must be secured by a licensed physician or dentist or a prescription label must be provided which contains the child’s name, a current date (within the last twelve months), the exact dosage to be given, the specific number of dosages to be given daily, and the means of administration. Written, signed, and dated instructions of the parent or guardian must be completed on the provided form. Medication will not be administered on an “as needed” basis. A medication, food supplement, or modified diet shall not be administered for any period of time beyond the date indicated by the physician, advanced practice nurse certified to prescribe medication, or licensed dentist, or twelve months, whichever comes first.

Over-the-counter, non-prescription pain/fever-reducing medications that do not contain aspirin will only be administered by the Center if accompanied by written instructions from a licensed physician which include a specific diagnosis and reason why the medication is to be administered. Over-the-counter, non-prescription cough or cold medications that do not contain codeine may be administered by the Center without written instructions from a licensed physician if written instructions from the parent or guardian are provided on the medication request form. The name of the medication, name of the child, birth date of the child, date, and the parent or guardian’s signature must be included on the form. The full name of the child who is to receive the medication is to be printed on the medication container. The medication shall be in its original container with its original label attached which specifies appropriate dosages based on the child’s age and weight. Recommended dosages for your child’s age and weight will not be exceeded. The Center will administer the medication for no longer than three consecutive days within a fourteen day period unless accompanied by signed instructions from a licensed physician. Non-prescription topical ointments, creams, or lotions may be administered by the Center without written instructions from a licensed physician if written instructions from the parent or guardian are provided on the medication request form. The form shall also include the name of the ointment, cream, or lotion; name of the child; birth date of the child; date; and the parent or guardian’s signature. The written instructions will be valid for no longer than twelve months. Authorization for administration of the ointment, cream, or lotion may be canceled by written request of the parent at any time. When used for skin irritations, such as diaper rash, the topical product shall be administered by the Center for no longer than fourteen consecutive days at any one time period of use unless accompanied by signed instructions from a licensed physician. Cough drops, creams, sunscreens, and lip balms are considered medication. Instructions for over-the-counter medications must be followed. Non-prescription topical products and lotions used only as a preventative measure do not need to be documented. Signed and dated written instructions from the parent/guardian must be obtained, however, on the medication request form.

A school-age child with a health condition may be permitted to have possession of an inhaler or medication for emergency needs if these items are stored in a closed bag/backpack out of the reach of other children and signed and dated written permission is obtained by the child’s parent/guardian. Center staff shall be notified of these children whose condition necessitates the carrying of these items.

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