Medication and Specialized Health Care Procedures

Due to recommendations that the Minnesota Department of Health made this past year, there have been changes in our school health services policy. A summary of the policy and changes include the following:

For medications and specialized health care procedures:

  • Students who attend programs located in member-district buildings will follow the policy and procedures of the member district. Medication administration for ISD 917 students who attend programs in buildings owned or leased by ISD 917 will adhere to the ISD 917 policy and procedures.
  • Parent authorization for ALL prescription medications, nonprescription medications and specialized healthcare procedures may be administered to students only with annual written or oral authorization from the parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian request is given orally to administer medication or a health care procedure, this request must also be received in writing within two school days (oral instruction needs to be verified by a nurse or delegatee).
  • Physician's written authorization is required for prescription and specialized healthcare procedures BEFORE the medication or procedure may be done at school.
  • Prescription medications must be in an accurately labeled container provided by a pharmacist. The parent/guardian authorization section of appropriate ISD 917 health care form(s) must be completed annually and/or when a change in prescription or requirements for administration occurs.
  • Parents must furnish all necessary medications.
  • Nonprescription medications must be in the original container with a label and directions. If no physician order is obtained for nonprescription medications, directions will be taken directly from the container’s manufacture label.
  • Schools and school staff will not purchase or have a supply of any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for distribution to students.
  • The LSN will review and assess parent authorizations for requests of medication administration and special health care procedures.
  • The LSN has the ultimate authority to reject a parent’s request, to decline administration of any over-the-counter medication and to request a physician’s authorization.
  • A student may give consent and act as the “Parent” if s/he is over the age of 18 years and is legally able to act as her/his own guardian.
  • With the exception of asthma inhalers, epi-pens, and emergency seizure medication, all prescription medications will be kept in the nurse’s office, or in the possession of a staff delegatee who has been authorized and trained by the LSN.

Self-carry medications:

  • An authorization form completed and renewed annually by the parent/guardian and by a licensed healthcare provider and on file with the school will allow a student to carry medications for self-administration.
  • A student's knowledge and skills to safely possess and use an asthma inhaler or an epi-pen in a school setting must be assessed by either the LSN or documentation of appropriate administration must be provided by the licensed healthcare provider.
  • Students are prohibited from using a medication, including inhalers and epi-pens, that are not authorized for their personal use or properly labeled.

Delegation:

  • Health services will be provided under the guidance of a licensed school nurse (LSN).
  • Medication administration and provision of specialized health care procedures may be delegated to non-nurse staff.
  • Delegation to a delegatee means “the transfer of authority to another nurse or competent unlicensed assistive person to perform a specific nursing task or activity in a specific situation.” The trained delegatee is responsible for performing the activity according to the delegation of the LSN. If the delegatee deviates from proper procedure and it is determined that the LSN has appropriately delegated and trained the delegatee, the LSN has fulfilled the duties of proper delegation.

For the following health conditions: asthma, seizures, diabetes-insulin dependent, anaphylactic (allergic reaction)-please use the Action Plans/Authorizations found in links below.

For the following special health care procedures: respiratory management and gastrostomy tube management please use the appropriate consent found in links below.

DNR- DNI is a medical document. School district staff will not accept or honor requests to withhold emergency care of DNR-DNI orders (including AED’s). The school district will not convey such orders to emergency medical personnel. See the ISD 917 DNR-DNI Policy.

See links to the following forms:      

Health Condition Specific Medication Authorization and/or Action Plan:

Special Health Care Procedures: 

For Student with Seizures:

For Student with Special Dietary Needs: