Board Policies & Administrative Procedures

Background

It is recognized that students may need to take medication during school hours. Pursuant to these needs the following procedures shall be followed.

Procedures

1. Principals shall make every reasonable effort to obtain from parents a statement of the student’s health at the beginning of each school year, along with information concerning any allergies. Particular attention shall be paid to potential life-threatening allergies such as bee stings, peanuts, etc.
   1. In addition, students requiring prescription medication and/or blood glucose testing shall have a Student-Focused Medication Management Plan completed in consultation with the parent.  A representative of Alberta Health Services may be involved to ensure that medical information is complete and accurate.
      
      
2. Parent(s) may request that prescription medication be provided to a student during school hours if the student is not old enough to self-administer the medication or if there are other compelling reasons that require the involvement of staff. A Student Medical Management Plan (Form 316-1) must be completed for each prescription medication. The following must be in writing, issued by a medical practitioner or pharmacist, and:
   1. Specify the time(s) at which such medication is to be provided
   2. Specify the exact dosage
   3. Specify storage instructions (including the need for security, refrigeration, etc.);
   4. Specify the duration of the treatment;
   5. Specify the procedure to be followed in case of suspected adverse reaction;
   6. Provide instructions on the use of an Epi-pen (or similar).
       
3. All medication must be sent to the school in the original container.
    
4. No employee shall provide any prescription medication to any student unless the above conditions have been met.
    
5. A Student Medication Log (Form 316-2) shall be kept for each student where employees are involved in the provision of any medication. This log will include all medication details.
    
6. Parent(s) may request that non-prescription medication be provided to a student during school hours if the student is not old enough to self-administer the medication or there are other compelling reasons that require the involvement of staff. A Student Medical Management Plan (Form 316-1) must be completed for each non-prescription medication. The following must be in writing under the signature of a physician
   1. Specify the time(s) at which such medication is to be provided;
   2. Specify the exact dosage and method of provision;
   3. Specify storage instructions (including the need for security, refrigeration, etc.);
   4. Specify the duration of the treatment;
   5. Specify the procedure to be followed in case of suspected adverse reaction;
   6. Provide instructions on the use of an Epi-pen (or similar).
       
7. The involvement of staff is predicated on a staff member being willing to undertake the functions required or upon such a staff member being hired through appropriate funding.
    
8. All medications shall be kept in a secured and locked location.
    
9. Epipens and inhalers are to be clearly marked and separate from other prescription medication.  If the student is developmentally capable, Epipens or inhalers shall be carried by the student on their person in a safe and readily available pouch that must accompany the student at all times.
    
10. Bus drivers shall to be notified by the Principal or designate of any potential health problems that may occur while the student is being transported. This information shall be updated annually, or as circumstances change.
     
11. Staff members who render assistance to a student who is ill, injured or unconscious as a result of an accident or emergency may be protected from legal action as outlined in Section 2 of the Emergency Medical Aid Act. Furthermore, all employees are protected by the Division’s liability insurance when acting within the scope of their approved duties.
     
12. The foregoing statements do not apply to medication by injection on a regular basis (e.g. Diabetics condition).  Most diabetics, even very young students, are capable of managing their own sugar and insulin intake. The parent is to advise the community health nurse so that the health education of the student and the classroom teacher may be reinforced.
    1. Where the student is unable to self-administer the medication, it is the responsibility of the parent to make suitable arrangements for administration by qualified medical personnel or others, excluding school staff, deemed acceptable by the parent.
        

Forms

Student Medical Management Plan (Form 316-1)

Student Medication Log (Form 316-2)

Reference

Section 3,7,11,33,52,53,196,197,222 Education Act

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Emergency Medical Aid Act

Occupational Health and Safety Act

Guidelines for Child/Student Focused Medication Management (CSFMM) In Preschool and School Settings - Alberta Health Services

Anaphylaxis: A Handbook for School Boards-Canadian School Boards Association

ATA Provision of Medical Services to Medically Fragile Students

Approved: August 21, 2018

Updated: February 2024