Administration of Medication to Students

Code No.: 504.4
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS
Purpose: To provide guidelines for the administration of medication to students.
Policy: 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 an authorized practitioner 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, physician, persons who have
successfully completed a medication administration course, or to be an authorized practitioner, including parents. 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.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§124.101(1), 147.107, 152.1, 155A.4(2), 280.16, 280.23 (2013)
Education [281] IAC §41.404(3)
Pharmacy [657] IAC §8.32(124, 155A)
Nursing Board [655] IAC §6.2(152)
Approved 8/15/88
Reviewed 2/21/00
Reviewed 4/07/03
Reviewed 7/7/08
Revised 2/2/15