Administration of Medication

POLICY:

NOCAC Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) classroom staff will follow procedures which allow for safe and timely administration of medications that have been prescribed by a Physician or Nurse Practitioner. Medication Administration will occur only after reasonable attempts have been made to schedule the medication outside of classroom hours.

PROCEDURES:

1. Medication is not administered to a child while attending class unless there is a signed Request for Administration of Medication and Medical Care Plan on file per ODJFS Rules.
2. The Center Manager will be notified whenever a parent requests that a medication be given in the classroom.
   1. The Center Manager will then designate the staff member(s) who will be responsible for administering the medication in the classroom.
      1. The designated staff member will document each administration on the Request for Administration of Medication.
   2. If the Center Manager determines that staff members are not adequately prepared to administer medication safely, the Center Manager and the Health and Safety Manager will develop a formal plan to insure that the medication can be administered safely and appropriately.
   3. Substitute teachers are not permitted to administer medications.
3. The teacher will have the parent fill out the Request for Administration of Medication as soon as possible so that notes can be entered into ChildPlus.
4. The teacher will ensure all prescription medication is kept in the original container, which must be child resistant and properly labeled by the pharmacist.
5. The label information must include:
   1. Child’s name
   2. Frequency and amount of dosage
   3. Name of the drug
   4. Duration of administration
   5. Method of administration
   6. Expiration date
   7. Storage instructions
   8. Date filled
   9. Name of the prescribing physician
6. Teacher should never administer a medication if they have concerns or do not feel adequately trained to do so. Teacher will discuss the information with the parent and request information about possible adverse actions. If the teacher is confused or concerned about the appropriateness of the medication, they must seek support from the Center Manager and/or the Health and Safety Manager.
7. NOCAC staff will not administer medications, food supplements, or topical products until after the child has received the first dose at home to avoid unexpected reactions.
8. Medication will be kept in a locked drawer or cupboard. Medication that requires refrigeration will be kept in a container in the site refrigerator.
   1. In cases in which medication are to be used for emergencies (rescue inhalers and epinephrine) the Health and Safety Manager and Center Manager will develop a procedure to assure that medication is out of reach of children but easily accessible to staff for emergencies.
9. Parent will be notified if:
   1. The child refuses to take the medication
   2. Has an adverse reaction
   3. Has any problems related to medication administration
10. If a parent requests to have non-prescription medications administered in the classroom, the Health and Safety Manager must be notified. The Health and Safety Manager will confer with the Physician or Nurse Practitioner and the parent to determine whether it is appropriate to administer the non-prescription medication in the classroom, and then provide staff with written instructions.
11. Teacher will return unused or expired medications to the parent as needed or at the end of the program year.
12. A plan will be developed when a parent requests to administer the medication at the center and does not train or authorize NOCAC staff to do so.
13. NOCAC staff will follow the ODJFS Serious Risk Non-Compliance reporting procedures as outlined in 5101:2-12-03 Appendix.

Forms and Additional Guidance:

• Request for Administration of Medication
• Medical Care Plan  – English
• Medical Care Plan – Spanish
• 5101:2-12-03 Appendix