1. PREAMBLE
      2. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS
      3. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
      4. · Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017
      altNiagara Catholic District School Board

      ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS

      ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

      300 – School/Students
      No 302.2
        
      Adopted Date: October 27, 1998  

       
      Latest Reviewed/Revised Date: February 3, 2025

       
       


      In keeping with the Mission, Vision and Values of the Niagara Catholic District School Board, the following are the Administrative Operational Procedures for Administration of Medication to Students.

       





      PREAMBLE

       

      The primary responsibility for the administration of prescribed and/or non-prescribed medication to a student rests with the student’s parents/guardians. Therefore, wherever possible, a treatment regime should be adjusted to avoid administration of medication during school hours. However, the Board recognizes that there may be circumstances under which a student must have medication administered during the school day. Principals will work cooperatively with families, physician/medical professional, and community partners to support students.

       

      In accordance with the Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum No. 81, Provision of Health Support Services in School Settings, all school boards will be responsible for the administration of oral medication where such medication has been prescribed during school hours.

       

      ·   That such procedures be applied only to those services, requested by the parent and prescribed by a physician/medical professional which must be provided during school hours.

      ·   That a request for the service and the authorization to provide such service be made in writing by the parent and the physician/medical professional, specifying the medication, the dosage, the frequency and method of administration, the dates for which the authorization applies, and the possible side effects, if any.

      ·   That the medication arrives at school in its original packaging with the original label.

      ·   That the storage and safekeeping requirements for any labeled medication be stated clearly in the Administration of Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Medication During School Hours (Appendix A)


      ·   That a record of administration be maintained which includes the student’s name, date, time of provision, dosage given, name of person administering, the telephone numbers of the parent/guardian and physician/medical professional are recorded on the Administration of Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Medication During School Hours (Appendix A) and kept with the stored medication to be readily available when needed.


      ·   That the medication be administered in a manner which allows for sensitivity and privacy and which encourages the pupil to take an appropriate level of responsibility for his or her medication.

       





      ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS

       

      These Administrative Operational Procedures are intended to meet the needs of students who require

      administration of prescribed and non-prescribed oral medication during school hours by Niagara Catholic

      staff. This AOP is compliant with the Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum No. 81.

       

       

       

       





      ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

       

      PARENTS/GUARDIANS

       

      1.  For all prescribed and non-prescribed medication taken during school hours, the Administration of Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Medication During School Hours Form (Appendix A) must be completed, signed by the parent/guardian and physician/medical professional, and submitted to the school principal/designate. All costs associated with completion of the form (Appendix A) are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

       

      ·   In the case of a prescription for medical cannabis, only cannabis oils, capsules or edibles will be administered on school premises. Smoking or vaping of medical cannabis is prohibited.

       


      2.  Medication for administration purposes, must be hand delivered by the parent/guardian to the principal/designate. The medication for administration must be in the original labelled pharmaceutical container with the original dispensed quantity of medication. School staff are not permitted to adapt/transform medication. Any transformation/adaptation of the medication must be carried out by the medical professional or pharmacist.


       

      3.  Parents/guardians/students in consultation with the principal/school staff will plan for the administration of medication during field trips prior to the activity.

       

      4.  Any changes to the dosage/regimen will require that the parent/guardian provide an updated Administration of Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Medication During School Hours Form (Appendix A) signed by the parent/guardian and physician.

       

      PRINCIPAL AND/OR DESIGNATE

       

      1.  The principal/designate of each school shall be responsible for the secure storage, control and administration of medication.

       

      2.  Under no condition should a principal/designate administer medication if the specific dosage and directions are not provided by the physician/medical professional on the signed Administration of Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Medication form (Appendix A) .

       

      3.  The principal/designate can delegate the responsibility for the administration of medication to an appropriately trained staff member. Staff members, aside from trained Educational Assistants or other trained individuals, may exercise the option not to become involved in the administration of medication; the responsibility thereby returning to the principal/designate.

       

      4.  The medication is to be administered by the principal/designate in a manner which allows for the sensitivity and privacy of the student, and which encourages the student to take an appropriate level of responsibility for the medication. The principal/designate who has administered the medication will observe the student to ensure the medication is consumed.

       

      5.  A record of administration is to be maintained at the school by the principal/designate on the Record of Administration of Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Medication Form (Appendix B) . The Administration of Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Medication During School Hours Form (Appendix A) and the Record of Administration of Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Medication Form (Appendix B) shall be kept on file for the duration of the student’s attendance at school.

       

      6.  The parent/guardian shall be given a copy of the Record of Administration of Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Medication Form (Appendix B) at the completion of the regimen, along with any unused medication.

       

      7.  At the end of each school year, the principal/designate will return any unused medication to the family or will take any unused medication to the local pharmacy for disposal. A record of this return or disposal at a pharmacy must be documented on the Record of Administration of Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Medication Form (Appendix B) .

       

      Reference 

      ·   Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum No. 81, Provision of Health Support Services in School Settings





      ·   Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017


       
      Adopted Date:

       

      Revision History:

              		October 27, 1998

       

      May 26, 2009

      December 20, 2016

      December 17, 2020

      February 3, 2025

       

         


       

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