The Rowan-Salisbury Schools’ medication policy lists the following responsibilities for parents or guardians and students.

Parent or guardian responsibilities:

A Rowan-Salisbury physician’s authorization form must be completed and signed by a student’s parent or guardian and the health care provider before school personnel can administer prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Prescription medication can be administered with only a parent’s signature as long as the directions for dose and time are clearly stated on the prescription bottle. If not, then a physician must complete a medication permission form in order for the prescription medication to be administered by school personnel.

A new physician’s authorization form must be completed if a medication changes in dose, method or manner of receipt. If changed, a new, pharmacy-labeled container must be provided for the school with the new instructions on the label. A written note from the physician on letterhead or prescription pad may be substituted for the bottle label until it is time for the medication to be refilled (a faxed copy is acceptable). When a fax is obtained with a dose change, the parent must sign a new medication permission form before school personnel can administer the medication.

Over-the-counter medication must be in the original container complete with the recommended dosage and side effects. Out of date medications will not be accepted.

Prescription medication containers should be labeled by the pharmacist with a current date, clear directions for when the medication is to be taken and the dosage. The label on a prescription medication must not be modified and must be easy to read. If the medication is to be administered at home as well as school, a separate pharmacy labeled container for school should be requested.

If pills must be cut in half or in quarters, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian and not of school personnel. If pills are not cut in half or in quarters as prescribed, the medication cannot be administered.

Parents or guardians may come to school and administer medication to their child at the appropriate time.

When a student receives refills, the newest prescription bottle should be brought to the school. Notify the school verbally or in writing when a medication is discontinued.

Responsibilities for students who self-medicate

Students may possess and self-medicate asthma inhalers, automatic epinephrine injectors and supplies for diabetes care.

A health care provider must approve on the physician’s authorization form that the student is self-directed, responsible and knowledgeable about their medication and mature enough to carry medication in the school.

The student must demonstrate to the school nurse, or designee, the ability to self-administer medication properly.

School personnel will assume no responsibility for students who self-medicate.

Physician’s authorization forms can be found at www.rss.k12.nc.us/school-health-medication-manual.