507.2 - Administration of Medications

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.

When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by the licensed health personnel with the student and
the student's parent.  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 or other airway constricting diseases may self -
administer their medication upon approval of their parents and prescribing physician regardless of competency.  

Persons administering medication shall include the licensed registered nurse, parent, physician, and persons who have successfully completed a medication administration course reviewed
by the Board of Pharmacy Examiners. A medication administration course and periodic update shall be conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist, and a record of course
completion kept on file at the agency.

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.  Emergency protocols for medication-related reactions shall be posted.  Medication information
shall be confidential information.

 

Note:    This law reflects the Iowa Department of Education’s special education administrative rule regarding administration of medication.  Since there are no rules addressing students
not receiving special education services, IASB has written the sample policies and regulations to address all students.  

Iowa law requires school districts to allow students with asthma or other airway constricting 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.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§124.101(1), 147.107, 152.1, 155A.4(2), 280.16, 280.23 (2007)
                                       
Education [281]—§41.12(11) IAC
   
                                    Pharmacy [657]—§8.32(124, 155A), IAC
   
                                    Nursing Board [655]—§6.2(152), IAC

Cross Reference:  506     Student Records
   
                                    507     Student Health and Well-Being
   
                                    603.3  Special Education
                                    607.2  Student Health Services

Approved    2-15-2010                          
Reviewed     7-20-2015                                                            
Revised