5008 Medications
Under Oklahoma law, a school nurse, an administrator, or a designated school employee may retain and/or administer prescription and nonprescription medications to students.
For purposes of the policy,
“Medicine” or “medications” includes prescription medications, opioid antagonists, and over-the-counter medicines such as, but not limited to, aspirin, cough syrup and medicated ointments and any other item used to treat an illness, disease, or malady.
The term “legal custodian” means a parent, a court-appointed guardian or a person having legal custody.
Except as provided in accordance with the school district's student self-administration board policy, students may not retain possession of or self-administer any medicine. Violation of this rule will be reported to the student's parents and may result in discipline including suspension.
Medicine shall not be administered to students by teachers or administrators except pursuant to the provisions of this policy.
Only designated employees who have successfully completed specific training in the administration of nonprescription and prescription medications may administer such medications.
As further set out below, the district retains the discretion to reject requests for the administration of medication and to discontinue the administration of medication.
The legal custodian of a student who has a legitimate health need for a medicine (over-the-counter or prescription) shall deliver the medicine to the school nurse, school administrator, or designee in its original container with
the written authorization of the student’s parent or guardian for administration of the medicine. The parent’s authorization must identify the student, the medicine, and include or refer to the label for instructions on administration of the medicine. The medicine will be administered to the student only by the school nurse, an administrator or a designated employee pursuant to the parent’s instructions and the directions for use on the label or in the physician’s prescription. A new authorization form must be completed for each change of medication.
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and products containing salicylic acid will only be administered with written instructions of the student's physician.
If there are no changes, the authorization must be renewed yearly. If a student brings medications to school without a properly completed authorization form, the school will inform the student’s legal custodian of district policy and the inability to give the medication. The student’s legal custodian may, however, come to the school and dispense the medication to the student. When medication is completed and/or at the end of the school year, the authorization form will be maintained as part of the electronic student’s health record. Forms for medication administration are available in the nurse’s office.
The school nurse shall keep an electronic record of the students to whom medicine is administered, the date of administration, the person who administered the medicine, and the name or type of medicine administered.
Medications must be stored in a separate locked cabinet and not readily accessible to persons other than the persons who will administer the medication. Medications requiring refrigeration will be refrigerated in a secure area.
Any person administering medicine to a student will be trained annually by October 1 of each year by a school nurse or other health care professional to administer medication. Only those successfully completing the training will be authorized to give medication. A current list of those authorized to give medication will be kept at each school and by the school nurse. Training will include:
A. Review of state statutes and school regulations (including this policy) regarding administration of medication by school personnel.
B. Procedures for administration, documentation, handling and storage of medication.
C. Medication needs of specific students, desired effects, potential side effects, adverse reactions and other observations.
It is the responsibility of the legal custodian to maintain the supply.
Any medication that is not reclaimed by the legal custodian by the last official day of the school year or reclaimed within seven days of being discontinued by the prescribing physician will be destroyed by the designated employee or the school nurse in the presence of a witness.
The person who destroys the medication will record the following information:
1. date of destruction
2. time of destruction
3. name and quantity of medication destroyed
4. manner of destruction of medication
Any and all controlled substances will be destroyed according to state law.
The school nurse or designated employee will advise the principal if discontinuance of medication is appropriate and assist in informing the legal custodian. Legitimate reasons for discontinuing administration of medication would include, but not be limited to:
A. A legitimate lack of space or facility to adequately store specific medication;
B. Lack of cooperation by the student, parent or guardian and/or prescribing doctor and the district;
C. An unexpected and/or adverse medical reaction to the medication at school, i.e., mood change, allergic reaction, etc., considered to be deleterious to the health and well-being of the student;
D. Any apparent change in the medication’s appearance, odor or other characteristics that question the quality of the medication; and
E. The medication expiration date has passed.
Administration of Emergency Opiate Antagonists (e.g. Naloxon) by District Personnel
District medical personnel (certified school nurse or any other nurse employed by or under contract with the district) or any other person designated by the Superintendent may administer, regardless of whether there is a prescription or standing order in place, an emergency opiate antagonist for a suspected opioid overdose by a student or other individual exhibiting signs of an opioid overdose.
The Superintendent may authorize one or more district employees to receive training offered by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, a law enforcement agency or any other entity in recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose and administering an emergency opioid antagonist. The Superintendent may designate
persons to receive this training who have been required to receive annual training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the Heimlich maneuver (70 Okla. Stat. §1210.199). Furthermore, if a person or persons designated and trained to administer an emergency opioid antagonist are absent, the Superintendent or designee may authorize any person, regardless of whether there is a prescription or standing order in place, to administer an emergency opioid antagonist to a student or other individual exhibiting signs of an overdose.
Any person administering an emergency opioid antagonist to a student or other individual at a school site or school- sponsored event, in a manner consistent with addressing opioid overdose, shall be covered by Oklahoma’s Good Samaritan Act. In the event of a suspected overdose, the district and its employees or designees shall be immune from civil liability in relation to the administration of an emergency opioid antagonist.
As used in this section, “emergency opioid antagonist” means a drug including, but not limited to, naloxone, that blocks the effects of opioids and that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of an opioid overdose.
District-Wide Use of Glucagon
The board of education has authorized the Superintendent to obtain a prescription for Glucagon in the name of the school district.
The school district will:
• inform, in writing, the parent or legal guardian of each student with a diabetes medical management plan that a school nurse , school employee trained by a health care professional or a school employee who has volunteered and successfully completed training to be a diabetes care assistant may administer, with parent or legal guardian written consent but without a health care provider order, Glucagon to a student with diabetes whom the school nurse, trained employee, or a school employee who has volunteered and successfully completed training to be a diabetes care assistant in good faith believes is having a hypoglycemic emergency or if the student’s prescribed Glucagon is not available on site or has expired;
• designate the employee responsible for obtaining Glucagon for each school site from a licensed physician with prescriptive authority; and
• maintain Glucagon at each school site in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
School employees are still required to call a student’s parent or guardian and 911 in the event of an emergency, including any time an employee believes a student is experiencing a hypoglycemic emergency.
A waiver of liability executed by a parent or legal guardian must be on file with the school district prior to administration of Glucagon. Written consent and waiver of liability shall be effective for the school year in which it is granted and shall be renewed each subsequent school year.
Seizure-Rescue Medication (Seizure-Safe Schools Act)
Beginning January 1, 2022, at every school site that has a student enrolled who (1) has a seizure disorder and (2) has a seizure rescue medication or other medication prescribed to treat seizure disorder symptoms approved by the Food and Drug Administration and any successor agency that is prescribed by the student’s health care provider, the district shall have at least one employee who has met the training requirements necessary to (1) administer or assist with self-administration of seizure medications, and (2) recognize the signs and symptoms of seizures and the appropriate steps to be taken to respond to these symptoms. For purposes of this training, the district is permitted by law to use any adequate and appropriate training programs or guidelines for training of school personnel in the seizure disorder care tasks covered under this policy.
Before a seizure rescue medication can be administered to a student to treat seizure disorder symptoms, the student’s parent or legal guardian shall do the following:
A. provide the school with written authorization to administer the medication at school;
B. provide a written statement from the student’s health care provider that shall contain the following information:
• student’s name;
• the name and purpose of the medication
• the prescribed dosage
• the route of administration
• the frequency that the medication may be administered, and
• the circumstances under which the medication may be administered.
C. provide the prescribed medication to the school in its unopened, sealed package with the label affixed by the dispensing pharmacy; and
D. collaborate with school personnel to create a “seizure action plan,” which means a written, individualized health plan designed to acknowledge and prepare for the health care needs of a student diagnosed with a seizure disorder.
The written authorization and seizure action plan shall be kept on file in the office of the school nurse or school administrator, and it shall be distributed to any school personnel or volunteers responsible for the supervision or care of the student. The written authorization and seizure action plan shall be effective only for the school year in which written authorization is granted and may be renewed each following school year upon fulfilling requirements A-D above. The district shall follow all administrative rules promulgated by the State Board of Education for the development and implementation of the seizure education program and the procedures for the development and content of seizure action plans.
Pursuant to state law, a school employee may not be subject to any disciplinary proceedings resulting from an action taken in compliance with the Seizure-Safe Schools Act, and any employee acting in accordance with the provisions of that act shall be immune from civil liability unless the actions of the employee rise to the level of reckless or intentional misconduct. Any district-employed school nurse shall not be responsible for and shall not be subject to disciplinary action for actions performed by a volunteer.
Self Administrator of Asthma, Anaphylaxis, and Cystic Fibrosis Medication and Stocking of Epinephrine and Inhalers
"Inhaler" means a device that delivers a bronchodilator to alleviate symptoms of respiratory distress that is manufactured in the form of a metered-dose inhaler or dry-powder inhaler and that may include a spacer or holding chamber that attaches to the inhaler to improve the delivery of the bronchodilator.
"Medication" means, for purposes of this policy, a metered dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler to alleviate asthmatic symptoms, prescribed by a physician and having an individual label, an anaphylaxis medication used to treat anaphylaxis including but not limited to Epinephrine prescribed by a physician and having an individual label, or replacement pancreatic enzymes prescribed by a physician and having an individual label.
"Respiratory distress" means the perceived or actual presence of coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. "Self-administration" means a student's use of medication pursuant ot prescription or written direction from a physician.
Student Self-Administration Requirements
Students with asthma, anaphylaxis, or cystic fibrosis shall be allowed to self-administer prescribed medication in accordance with Title 70O.S. § 1-116.3. The district supports responsible self-care by students who have been
properly instructed in medication administration and whose parent(s) or guardian(s) and physician(s) have submitted the required documentation. In addition, the district shall maintain and administer stock medication for emergency use by trained personnel, as mandated by the Emerson Kate Cole Act. The provisions herein are intended to safeguard student health in the event of an unexpected medical crisis such as anaphylaxis or respiratory distress.
A student may self-administer medication under the following conditions:
1. Parental Authorization. Written permission must be submitted by the parent(s) or guardian(s) authorizing self-administration.
2. Physician Statement. A written statement from the treating physician must confirm:
a. the diagnosis (asthma, anaphylaxis, or cystic fibrosis);
b. the student’s ability to self-administer; and
c. that the student has received proper instruction.
3. Emergency Supply. An emergency supply of the student’s medication must be provided to the school.
4. Liability Notification. The parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be notified in writing that the school district assumes no liability from injuries resulting from self-administration.
5. Waiver Acknowledgement. The parent(s) or guardian(s) must sign a waiver acknowledging no liability on the part of the school district.
6. Annual Renewal. All documentation must be updated annually each school year.
7. Student Possession. Authorized students may carry their prescribed medication at all times and use their prescribed medication as necessary while on school grounds or attending school activities.
8. Students will not be allowed to self-administer:
a. narcotics
b. prescription pain killers
c. controlled drugs
d. other medication hereafter designated in writing by the district.
9. Except as otherwise provided by an individual student’s health plan, students may self-administer non- diabetes and non-anaphylaxis-related injectables only in the school office in the presence of authorized school personnel. Diabetes-related injectables will be administered in accordance with the school’s diabetes care and management policy (Board Policy 5011).
10. The district strongly recommends that students who must self-medicate should wear Medic Alert bracelets or necklaces.
Stock of Epinephrine and Inhalers Epinephrine:
The board of education has authorized the Superintendent to obtain prescriptions for Epinephrine in the name of the school and. This prescription will be of a quantity sufficient to provide for two (2) Epinephrine devices at each site.
The Superintendent will designate personnel at each site to:
• be responsible for obtaining and maintaining an adequate supply of Epinephrine from the central office;
• ensure appropriate training on the administration of the Epinephrine for designated staff members;
• distribute and maintain annual parent/guardian consent forms.
Annual written notice will be provided to all parents/guardians that trained employees are authorized to administer Epinephrine to any student who appears to be having an anaphylactic reaction if the parent /guardian has given written consent and waived liability related to the good faith use of the Epinephrine. A signed waiver of liability from the parent(s) or guardian(s) must be on file prior to any administration.
If a student is believed to be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction or respiratory distress, a school employee shall immediately contact 911, and if properly trained and authorized, administer the appropriate medication. The responding staff member shall inform emergency personnel of the symptoms observed and any medication administered. The parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be notified as soon as possible following the incident. Inhalers
The board of education has authorized the Superintendent to obtain a prescription for inhalers and spacers or holding chambers in the name of the school district. This prescription will be of a quantity sufficient to provide for two (2) inhalers with spacers and holding chambers in a secure location at each school site.
The Superintendent will designate personnel at each school site to:
• be responsible for obtaining and maintaining an adequate supply of inhalers with spaces and holding chambers from the district’s central office;
• ensure appropriate training on the administration of the inhalers with spacers and holding chambers for designated staff members;
Only a school nurse or school employee trained by a health care professional will be required to agree to be trained in the use of inhalers with spacers and holding chambers.
Annual written notice will be provided to all parents/guardians that trained employees are authorized to administer inhalers to any student who is believed to be experiencing respiratory distress.
If a student is believed to be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction or respiratory distress, a school employee shall immediately contact 911, and if properly trained and authorized, administer the appropriate medication. The responding staff member shall inform emergency personnel of the symptoms observed and any medication administered. The parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be notified as soon as possible following the incident.
Staff Training Protocol
In accordance with the Emerson Kate Cole Act, all teachers and school employees who are directly responsible for students complete annual training on food allergies, recognizing anaphylaxis, and administering epinephrine. This training must be completed before the school year begins or upon hiring, shall be documented in personnel files, and may be delivered online or in person by a school nurse or a recognized training program.
Field Trip and Off-Campus Activity Protocol
For off-campus activities or field trips, the supervising staff shall ensure students authorized to self-administer medication have access to their prescribed medications. Staff shall also ensure that emergency response protocols are in place and that trained personnel are available to respond appropriately to symptoms of anaphylaxis, respiratory distress, or seizures as outlined in the student’s Seizure Action Plan.
Documentation and Recordkeeping Procedures
All documentation related to self-administration permissions, physician statements, and liability waivers shall be securely maintained in the student’s health record and accessible to authorized personnel. Seizure Action Plans shall also be kept on file, updated annually, and shared with school personnel responsible for the student’s care.
Storage and Maintenance Storage and Maintenance
Each school site shall maintain at least two epinephrine and two inhalers with spacers or holding chambers in a secure and accessible location. Designated staff shall be responsible for regularly monitoring expiration dates and ensuring timely replacement of expired stock medication. Seizure medication provided by parents/guardians shall be stored securely, checked regularly for expiration, and available for use in accordance with the student’s Seizure Action Plan.
Implementation and Review
This policy shall be reviewed and updated annually. Liability Protection
District employees and agents shall not be held liable for any injury resulting from the self-administration or emergency administration of medication in accordance with this policy. This protection extends to situations in which medication is administered, not administered, or self-administered, provided the action or inaction is based on the good-faith judgment of authorized personnel. Additionally, any licensed physician who prescribes stock medication to the district shall be immune from liability for any injury resulting from the use of such medication.
Revised 6/10/96
Revised 12/8/97
Revised 12/13/99
Revised 12/8/03
Revised 1/16/06
Revised 12/12/11
Revised 12/11/17
Revised 12/13/21
Revised 12/12/22
Revised 12/11/23
Revised 12/9/24
Revised 10/13/25