For a student with diabetes: The parent(s)/Guardian(s) are responsible for sharing the health care provider’s instructions.  When the student is at school, the student’s diabetes will be managed according to a diabetes care plan.  If one exists, and not this Procedure.  See Care of Students with Diabetes Act, 105 ILCS 145/.  Last, the Public Self-Care of Diabetes Act allows a person with diabetes (or a parent/guardian of a person with diabetes) to self-administer insulin (or administer insulin) in any location, public or private, where the person is authorized to be, irrespective of whether the injection site is uncovered during or incidental to the administration of insulin (410 ILCS 135/.)

For a student with asthma:  The parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for sharing the student’s asthma action plan.  When the student is at school, the student’s asthma will be managed according to an asthma action plan, if one exists, and not this Procedure.  See 105 ILCS 5/22-30(j-5), added by P.A. 99-843.  Asthma emergencies shall be managed pursuant to the District’s asthma emergency response protocol.  105 ILCS 5/22-30(j-10).

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If so, ask the health care provider to complete a “School Medication Authorization Form.”  This form must be completed and given to the school before the school will store or dispense any medication and before your child may possess asthma medication or an epinephrine auto-injector.  

If a student is on medication indefinitely, the parent/guardian must file a new “School Medication Authorization Form” every year.

Bring the medication to the school office.  If the medicine is for asthma or is an epinephrine auto-injector, a student may keep possession of it for immediate use at the student’s discretion: (1) while in school, (2) while at a school-sponsored activity, (3) while under the supervision of school personnel, or (4) before or after normal school activities, such as while in before-school or after-school care on school-operated property.  105 ILCS 5/22-30(e).

For asthma inhalers, provide the prescription label.  Bring either prescription medication to the school in the original package or an appropriately labeled container.  The container shall display the following:

Student’s name

Prescription number

Medication name and dosage

Administration route and/or other direction

Dates to be taken

Licensed prescriber’s name

Pharmacy name, address, and phone number

Bring non-prescription medications to school in the manufacturer’s original container with the label indicating the ingredients and the student’s name affixed.

At the end of the treatment regime, remove any unused medication from the school.

Count and verify medication with the parent upon delivery to the school.

if a student is identified as having asthma, request the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to share their child’s asthma action plan.  If the plan is provided, keep it on file in the school nurse’s office.  Provide copies of it to appropriate school staff who interact with the student on a regular basis, if applicable, attach it to the student’s Section 504 plan or individualized education plan (IEP).  105 ILCS 5/22-30(j-5), added by P.A. 99-843.

In conjunction with the licensed prescriber and parent/guardian, identify circumstances, if any, in which the student may self-administer the medication and/or carry the medication.  A student will be permitted to carry and self-administer medication for asthma or an epinephrine auto-injector.

Store the medication in a locked drawer or cabinet.  A student may keep possession of medication for asthma or an epinephrine auto-injector.  Medications requiring refrigeration should be refrigerated in a secure area.

Plan with the student the time(s) the student should come to the nurse’s office to receive medications.

Document each dose of the medication in the student’s individual health record.  Documentation shall include the date, time, dosage, route, and the signature of the person administering the medication or supervising the student in self-administration.

Assess effectiveness and side effects as required by the licensed prescriber.  Provide written feedback to the licensed prescriber and the parent/guardian as requested by the licensed prescriber.

Document whenever the medication is not administered as ordered, along with the reasons.

If the parent/guardian does not pick up the medication by the end of the school year, discard the medication in the presence of a witness.

Perform any duties described for school nurses, as needed, or delegate those duties to appropriate staff members.  No staff member shall be required to administer medications to students except school nurses, non-certificated and registered professional nurses and administrators.

Make arrangements, in conjunction with the parent/guardian, supervising teachers, and/or bus drivers for the student to receive needed medication while on a field trip.