Administration of Medication

  • PINELLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS MEDICATION POLICY

     

     SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

    Schools are responsible to provide required health services during the school day to enable students to access a free and appropriate public education.  Registered Nurses provide training to LPNs, and school personnel in administration of medications required to support students.

     
     

    Medication Administration at School

     
    Parents and Health Services staff work together to provide safe medication administration to students, if needed, during the school day.  We encourage parents to give medications before or after school whenever possible.  However, if medication is necessary during the school day, there are guidelines that must be followed to keep your student safe.  Please click the link below to read these guidelines:
     
    Parent Medication Information Letter-English             Parent Medication Letter/Spanish                        
     
     
    Under Florida law, students may carry and self-administer inhalers, epinephrine injections, and pancreatic enzymes if the appropriate authorization form is on file at the school.  The Registered Nurse (RN) must assess the self-administration to be safe and effective.  Please click on the link below to access this authorization form:
     
    Carry and Self Administer Form
     

    Essential Oils and Aromatherapy at School

     

    Essential oils are concentrated volatile liquids that give plants their characteristic scents and are isolated from the plant by mechanical means. They are used primarily in perfumes and flavorings and for aromatherapy (therapeutic use of essential oils). When used in diffusers, the essential oils are distributed to every person breathing that air.

    Essential oils are not without risk, especially for children. In a typical classroom of students, we have some who are immune-compromised, have ADHD, seizures, taking numerous medications, and have allergies and respiratory conditions such as asthma. Use of essential oils could cause life threatening reactions in these students. No brand of essential oil is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drugs by definition are intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. Under the law, drugs must meet requirements such as FDA approval for safety and effectiveness before they go on the market. Essential oils do not meet this standard. The FDA states with regards to essential oils, “Consumers should be mindful of health fraud scams which are products that claim to prevent, treat or cure diseases or other health conditions, but are not proven safe and effective for those uses.”

    When oils are applied to the skin, side effects may include allergic reactions, skin irritation and sun sensitivity. In addition, further research is needed to determine how essential oils might affect children, as well as how the oils might interact with medications and other treatments.

    In Pinellas County Schools, essential oils are prohibited and may not be used within our facilities, including but not limited to:

            ° In diffusers, inhalers or ingested orally

            ° Applied to any student, even if the parent requests staff to administer

            ° In professional development sessions

            ° Any circumstances that is disruptive or puts another’s health at risk

     

    If essential oils are found:

    Confiscate from student and call home to have a parent/guardian picked up.

            In diffusers:

                   ° Diffuser is removed and disposed of properly.

            On student(s) staff which are disruptive or putting another health at risk:

                   ° Do NOT use water to wash off as it may increase irritation by spreading the oils.

                   ° Offer clean clothing, as needed and as available

                   ° Notify parent, if necessary