Medication Administration in School
Parents are urged to give medications at home and on a schedule other than school hours if possible. If this is not possible, please review the information in this flyer and complete the required form(s).
Parent Responsibility
The State of Michigan requires a parent/guardian signature AND a licensed health care provider signature on a Medication Authorization Form for all medications administered at school. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications whether they are daily, as needed, or for emergency use. Any changes must be in writing from the prescriber. ***
Who is a licensed prescriber?
Physician (MD or DO), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Physician Assistant (PA) or Dentist (DDS)
What about Self-carrying?
When deemed appropriate, 6th-12th grade students may possess and self-administer over the counter (OTC) and emergency medications. Elementary students may possess and self-administer emergency medications only. For a student to possess and self-administer a medication, these items must be completed:
- Medication Authorization Form signed by parent and provider
- Self-Possession/Self-Administration portion of form signed by parent and provider
- An emergency action plan, such as an Asthma Action Plan or Allergy Action Plan, when applicable
Where do I get these forms?
Forms can be obtained from your student’s school and are also available on the Rockford Public Schools website under the Nursing Services Department. Care plans for medical conditions such as asthma, allergies and seizures can also be located here. https://www.rockfordschools.org/departments/nursing-services/
Dropping off Medication:All medications must be dropped off by a parent/legal guardian. Students are not permitted to drop off medications. All medications (including inhalers and epi-auto-injectors) must be received in their original pharmacy container with a current pharmacy label showing:
Non-prescription medication must also be in its original packaging. School staff will not administer unlabeled medication. Medications must be picked up by a parent/legal guardian at the end of the year or they will be disposed of. *** Over-the-counter FDA-approved topical medications do not require a provider’s signature if the student is able to apply it themselves. |
A note about alternative medicine:
School staff members are not authorized to administer complementary or alternative remedies. This includes naturopathy, homeopathy, dietary supplements, essential oils, and herbal remedies. These substances are not regulated by the FDA, therefore the labeling, potency, and purity cannot be guaranteed. If you would like your student to use these items, please do so at home.
Questions? Contact District Health Nurses
Kelly Theaker, BSN, RN
Phone: 616-863-6031 x7030
ktheaker@rockfordschools.org
High school fax: 616-866-5997
Jennifer Collins, RN
Phone: 616-863-6140 x1015
jcollins@rockfordschools.org
East Middle fax: 616-863-6565
