Student Medication Taken At School

State law governs the taking of medication by students while at school. Any time medication is to be given by school personnel or any time your student is to have prescription medicine in his/her possession; the medication must be in a container. The pharmacist’s label must be attached and must describe the type of medication, dosage, how often the medication is to be taken and the prescribing doctor’s name. (Ed. Code 11753.1 12,020)

The physician may ask the pharmacist to prepare a separate container for the school to use. Some prescriptions can be divided so that the purchase of additional medicine isn’t necessary. Prescription medicines and over-the-counter medications (i.e. aspirin, Tylenol, cough drops, etc.) to be given by school personnel should be delivered to the school office by the parent along with a completed “Authorization for Any Medication Taken During School Hours” form which is to be signed by the physician and parent/guardian.