Medication should be taken at home whenever possible. This prevents the student from losing valuable classroom time or having a shortened lunch period. If medication is to be administered at school, specific guidelines must be followed in accordance with the FCPS medication policy.
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Parent or guardian may authorize administration of the following medications for ten consecutive school days by completing, signing, and dating Parts I and II of Medication Authorization Form: over-the-counter medication for pain relief given on an as needed basis throughout the shool year for headaches, muscle aches, orthodontic pain, or menstrual cramps; antibiotics; and over-the-counter medications for conditions other than those listed above such as nasal sprays, digestive enzymes, glucose, salt tablets, and decongestants.
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Physician must complete, sign, and date the order on Part II of the medication forms for all other medications other than those situations noted above. Part I of the authorization forms must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian.
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Chap stick, cough drops and throat lozenges may be carried and used by students as needed throughout the school year, provided they are in the original container or package. Students must not share these items under any circumstances. No medication authorization form is required.
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Medication containers must be properly labeled. all prescribed medication, including physician samples, must be in a container labeled and dated by a pharmacist or physician with the name of the student, name of medication, dosage, and time to be taken. All over-the-counter medication must be in the original container and labeled by the parent or guardian with the name of student, dosage, and time to be taken.
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The first dose of any new medication should be given at home.
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The parent or guardian must transport medication to and from school.
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Each time there is a change in dosage or time, a new authorization form is required. The new medication order and container label must match.
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Students must go to the clinic to receive medication. Parents should develop a plan with the student to ensure that he or she goes to the clinic at the prescribed time. Medication can only be given one half hour before or one half hour after the prescribed time.
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Parent or guardian must pick up any unused portion of the medication within one week after expiration of the effective date on the order form. Medication not claimed within that period will be discarded.
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Medication that has not been picked up by the end of the day on the last day of the school year will be discarded.
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At the beginning of each school year a new medication form is required.
For additional information please contact Queta Clark, Clinic Aide, at 703-426-3710 or by e-mail at meclark@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS web site for Health Services information.
