3.10.2 Notification: Administration of Student Medications at School

SFUSD recognizes that your child may occasionally need to take medication during school hours.  In order to provide a safe and supportive environment, SFUSD has developed a policy regarding the dispensing of medications in school.  This policy, in accordance with the California Education Code, applies to all students taking medication during school hours and includes medication prescribed for a student's illness or chronic health condition (i.e. antibiotics, asthma inhalers)  over-the-counter medications (e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen), and home remedies.

If your child needs to take medication, please discuss with your child's health care provider the possibility of arranging medication times outside of school hours.  If it is necessary for your child to either take medication or have access to emergency medication (e.g. asthma medication) at school, please follow the guidelines on the Medication Form in chapter 3.10.4. 

Guidelines for Student Medications at School Link to this section

Note: SFUSD staff will only dispense medication when the following requirements are met: 

• 1. A Medication Form (see chapter 3.10.4) must be completed by BOTH the parent/guardian/caregiver AND the healthcare provider for all medications taken at school, including (a) prescription medications, (b) medications purchased over the counter, and (c) home remedies.  The completed Medication Forms must be returned to your child’s school prior to the administration of medication at school.
• 2. Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must provide the medication in a pharmacy-labeled or original container/dispenser.
• 3. Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must deliver the medication to the school personally or send it with a designated adult.  Please contact your school office for exceptions.
• 4. A Medication Form needs to be completed annually for each medication taken at school  
• 5. Medications may be administered at school according to the healthcare provider’s instructions by:
  • a. the school nurse or a designated trained staff member;       
  • b. the parent/guardian/caregiver or designee who may come to school to administer the medication on a pre-arranged schedule;
  • c. the student, who under certain circumstances, may self-administer medication.  This must be indicated on the Medication Form by both the parent/guardian/caregiver and the health care provider. Assembly Bill 743 requires a school district to accept a written statement provided by a physician or surgeon relating to a student carrying and self-administering inhaled asthma medication, from a physician or surgeon who is contracted with a prepaid health plan operating lawfully under the laws of Mexico that is licensed as a health care service plan in California. The written statement must be provided in both English and Spanish and include the name and contact information for the physician or surgeon.
• 6. Parents/guardians/caregivers will be notified prior to the end of the school year to retrieve their child’s medication(s).   Medication that is not retrieved will be properly disposed of by school staff. 

Administration of emergency anti-seizure medication to control seizures is governed by CA Education Code 49414.7.  If a physician has prescribed emergency anti-seizure medication for seizure control for your child, notify your child’s principal so that the proper paperwork is completed and personnel can be identified and trained to administer the emergency anti-seizure medication.

CA Education Code 49414 authorizes school districts to provide emergency epinephrine auto-injectors to school nurses or trained personnel who have volunteered to use such injectors to respond to emergency allergy situations.

A student’s right to receive medication at school exists in the following federal laws: 

• Public Law 93-112; 87 Stat. 394; 29 United States Code U.S.C. Section 794; (H.R. 8070). "Rehabilitation Act of 1973." 
• Public Law 101-336; 104 Stat. 327; 42 United States Code U.S.C. sections 12101-12213; (S. 933). "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990." 
• Public Law 105-17; 111 Stat. 37; 20 United States Code U.S.C. sections 1400-1485; (H.R. 5). "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997." 

CA Education Code  49423 also provides statutory authority for providing assistance in administering other medication in California schools. Notwithstanding the provisions of CA Education Code 49422, any student who is required to take, during the regular school day, medication prescribed for them by a physician, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the school district receives (1) a written statement from such physician detailing the method, amount, and time schedules by which such medication is to be taken and (2) a written statement from the parent or guardian of the student indicating the desire that the school district assist the student in the matters set forth in the physician's statement. 

Students, staff and families can contact the Student, Family & School  Resource Link for assistance at sflink@sfusd.edu, or call 415-340-1716 (M-F, 9am-3:00pm, closed 12-1pm for lunch).