Medication Administration Guidelines

Although it is encouraged and preferred that medications not be given during the school day, many students need medications during school hours. The administration of medication in the school setting is a service that is provided to promote wellness and decrease absenteeism by removing a barrier to learning. When there is a need for a student to receive medication in school, safe and proper administration is essential.

Medication shall be administered only when the student’s health requires that it be given during school hours. It is the Parent/Legal Guardian’s responsibility to have the required Medication Administration Form completed by your student’s healthcare provider and deliver completed forms and necessary medication to school.

Individual Health Plans should be completed by your child's physician/provider for each school year along with any needed medication forms. 

To obtain a copy of any needed forms, please contact the University School Nurse, Beverly Pritchard, BSN, RN at (423) 439-8674 or pritchardb@etsu.edu.

Students should not carry or have any medication in their possession at any time unless properly documented with the school nurse and school administration. Failure to adhere to the appropriate protocols could result in disciplinary consequences, so we encourage all families and students to contact the school nurse regarding any medication needs when on campus.

Prescription Medications

All prescription medication must be delivered to the school in the original container by a Parent/Legal Guardian. The pharmacy label must include the following information:

• Name of student
• Prescription number
• Name of medication and dosage
• Administration route or other directions
• Date
• Licensed prescriber’s name
• Pharmacy name, address, and telephone number

Non-Prescription Medications

All non-prescription medication must be delivered to the school in the original manufacturer’s container with the ingredients listed and the student’s name affixed to the container by the Parent/Legal Guardian. The container must be in a new, unopened bottle or in a blister pack that is sealed and labeled.

Other Medications

Herbal/homeopathic medication shall be administered only with a healthcare provider’s order and a completed medication form signed by the Parent/Legal Guardian.

The first dose or administration of any medication should be given at home. The Parent/Legal Guardian is responsible for picking up any remaining or unused medication. If medication is not picked up, the remaining or unused medication will be discarded at the end of the school year.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a safe environment for our students.