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Regulations Concerning Care of Illness

(School Board Policy)

It is not the function of public school personnel to administer medical treatment or medication including over-the-counter drugs.  HISD policy is based upon the following rationale expressed by the American Medical Association:

“Since treatment is not a function of school health programs, no drugs should be included in school first aid supplies.  Even the simplest and safest drugs sometimes cause reactions.  When they mask pain or other symptoms, they may be a factor in delaying correct diagnosis and treatment.”

Teachers and other school personnel are expected to limit themselves to the usual and accepted practices of first aid in managing emergencies due to sickness or accident.  They should not diagnose illness nor administer medication of any sort except as provided below.  First aid materials are not to be used for subsequent treatment of injury and illness or as a substitute for physician care.

Pupils who are not contagious, on long-term medications, preventive medication, or medication for a prolonged period of time, which cannot under any arrangement be administered other than during school hours, may take medication in school under the following restrictions:

a.                  A physician must state in writing that a pupil should have a certain medication during school hours. He should describe the type of preparation, color, quantity, and time of administration.  Form #40.3740 must be signed by the physician and be renewed at the beginning of each year.

b.                 Parent consent signature must also appear on Form #40.3740.

c.                  Physician’s orders may not be altered in any way by school personnel without written permission of the physician.  Discontinuation of the medication is permissible upon verbal order of the doctor.

d.                  The school principal will designate the person to administer medication; the assigned school nurse must in-service those persons as to the specific mode of administration and toxicity of the drug. 

A record of administration of each dose by school personnel must be documented and on file.