InterLinc: LLCHD: Medication Provision In The Schools By School Staff Members


	www.lincoln.ne.gov

Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department
Health Promotion & Outreach

School Health News - Spring 2001

Medication Provision In The Schools By School Staff Members According To The Medication Aide Act
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How does this law change school policies regarding medication provision?
Most likely, schools have had a variety of approaches to medication administration, many of which already include provisions of the Medication Aide Act. Essentially the Act:

Requires school staff members who provide medication to demonstrate the ability to meet certain minimum competency standards in medication provision,
Imposes certain restrictions regarding parental permission and health care provider input when medications are given, and
Requires a written record be kept of the medication provision.

The act also clarifies the role of the school staff and the parent in medication administration. Primarily, school staff is responsible to provide the right medication to the right student at the right time in the right dose by the right route. The overall accountability for monitoring the therapeutic benefit of the medication, and accountability for monitoring side effects, contraindication etc. related to the medication remain the responsibility of the parent.

Who has to train staff members of schools who provide medication?
The Medication Aide Act requires that school staff members who provide medications must demonstrate certain minimum competency standards, which are defined in DRAFT Title 172 NAC 95 section 004. There is no specific training that is required either by statute or regulation. There is only an outcome requirement for competency demonstration. The method for acquiring competency is left to the discretion of the school and school staff. The decision regarding the qualifications of the person(s) responsible to evaluate competency is to be made by the Department Of Education.

Is there a registry for school staff members who provide medications?
Not for schools. Schools will need their own records of those staff members who have met the competency standards and have been approved by the school to provide medication.

How are medications to be stored?
All medications in schools must be stored in secured areas and stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s dispensing or pharmacist’s instruction for temperature, light, humidity, or other.

Source:
Department of Health and Human Services Regulations and Licensure
PO Box 95007, Lincoln, NE 68509-5007
Phone (402) 471-2133

For More Information: Call Patty Baker (402) 441-8076

InterLinc City of Lincoln Departments Category Location

Health Health Promotions & Outreach School Health News Spring 2001