Checklist: Administering Medications

Administering prescription medication at your K-12 school can benefit the health and success of many students. However, this practice also can pose risks including the repercussions of incorrect or missed dosages and improper prescription medication storage. This checklist can help your institution develop proper policies and procedures. It addresses:

• Protocol for authorization including standard medical authorization, parent authorization, and authorization of medication changes
• Details on administering medication including medication labeling, parental involvement, storage and disposal of medication, training on administering medication, refusing to administer medication, self-administration, and recordkeeping
• Guidance on medication doses including timing of doses, missed doses, and incorrect doses
• Information on handling emergency medication
• Strategies for managing field trips, off-campus activities, and study abroad