Medication Guidelines

Parents/Guardians are advised to give medications at home. Students will be given medication at school when the medication is prescribed or ordered by a physician, when a parent/guardian completes a Medication Permission Form, and if the medication must be given during school hours to maintain sufficient health to participate in the school program. Narcotics will not be given at school. Failure to adhere to the non-prescription (over the counter) medication regulation may be considered a violation of the substance abuse policy.

Prescription Medication

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

  • Complete and have physician complete Medication Permission Form
  • Sign the Medication Permission Form prior to the administration of any medication.
  • Refill medications in a timely manner and keep a check on the expiration date of any prescriptions.
  • All medication must be brought to the school by the parent or adult designee in the original container with the original pharmacy label for your child.
  • Medication MAY NOT be transported on the bus. Medications in plastic bags or unlabeled prescription bottles WILL NOT be accepted.
  • Parents will cut tablets as needed for appropriate dosing.
  • Medication brought to the school will be counted or measured.
  • Unused medication should be picked up by parents within two weeks of the last day of school. After this time, the medication will be destroyed.

Student’s Responsibility

  • It is the student’s responsibility to remember to take his/her medication. However, if significant consequences might occur if a dose is missed, then every attempt will be made to assure the medication is administered according to the physician order.

Non-prescription Medications

Elementary Students

  • Non-prescription medications are strongly discouraged within the schools. However, if the physician or parents deem it necessary for a student to have a non-prescription medication for a specific health problem, the physician may write an order for the medication and complete the Medication Permission Form. The parent may also write a note with instructions on how to disperse. The parent will provide the school with an unopened container of the medication.
  • Parents should seek the advice of the physician about the possibility of longer acting medications for coughs, colds, pain, etc., so that a dose in not necessary during the school day.

For the complete Medication Guideline, see the Administrative Policy Manual on the ACPS website, Central Office/Policy Manual.