Medication at School

Prescription and non-prescription medication, including over the counter medication, should be administered at home whenever possible. However, the District recognizes that some students are unable to attend school without receiving medication during the school day. Therefore, District policy and state code permits the administration of prescription and non-prescription medication, including over the counter medication, only under the following conditions:

Parents must bring all medication (including over the counter medication) to the school nurse with a physician’s order and parental permission for the nurse to administer (Form A).  Please access the North Warren Regional School District website, Health Office link, to obtain the Medication Administration Form that will need to be completed and provided to the  school nurse. All medication is counted in the presence of the parents and locked safely with the nurse. 

1. Prescription medicine cannot be taken in school without a written statement from the doctor and a written request signed by the student’s parent/guardian (Form A).  The doctor’s written statement must include:
   • Date
   • Student’s name
   • Medication name
   • Correct dosage of the medication
   • Instructions for administering the medication
   • Dates the medication is to be taken including a termination when appropriate
   • Reason for administration of medication
   • Possible side effects of the medication and procedures to be followed if a reaction occurs
   • Telephone number of the doctor
2. No student may possess any medication, including over the counter drugs, while in school, on school property, or during school trips.  According to N.J.A.C.18A:40-12.3.12.6) and N.J.A.C.6A:16-2.115), students who have been authorized by their physician can administer life saving medication and may carry them during the school hours. Those medications include and are limited to the following: Insulin, Epi-pens, and inhalers for asthma.  Physician’s authorization for self-administration must be completed in addition to Form A.
3. Non-prescription medications, including over the counter medications, cannot be administered in school without a signed request from the student’s parent/guardian and signed doctor’s orders, with the exception of Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Advil (Ibuprofen), cough drops, Tums, and Benadryl (in an emergency). These medications can be administered by the school nurse if the parent/guardian has submitted the Form C Permission for Administration of School Physician Ordered Medications Form on the parent portal. The form must be submitted on an annual basis.  
4. Medications must be brought to school in the original container labeled by the pharmacy or by the parent/guardian (non-prescription medications).  The label should contain the student’s name,  the name of the medication, and the dosage.  Non-prescription medications, including over the counter medications, must be in the original container.      
5. NJDOE defines medication as a drug approved by the FDA for preventing, caring for, and assisting in the cure of disease and injury that has a written order from a physician licensed in medicine, dentistry, or osteopathy, or from an advanced practice nurse.  Medication does not include herbal remedies or botanicals.
6. The District will incur no liability for the use of unauthorized drugs.
7. The school will provide a secured, locked space for the safe storage of medication.     Prescription drugs will be kept locked at all times.
8. The records or documentation for administering medication to students must be maintained by the school nurse.
9. Student medical records are received from the school they previously attended. Additional medical conditions should be reported to the nurse by the parents.
10. Violations of the Medication Policy are subject to consequences as defined in the Student Code of Conduct.