Medication Reminder for all parent/guardians. It is very important to understand the information listed below. No medication should be sent in with a child to school. All medication must be brought into the health office by an adult.
Bellingham Public Schools medication policy, mandated by M.G.L. Chapter 71 Section 54B and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health 105 CMR, 210.001 is followed to ensure the health and safety of all students. “Regulations Governing the Administration of Prescription Medications in Public and Private Schools'' states that prescription medication is not to be dispensed without a written order from a licensed physician as described in 105 CMR 210.002 and written parent/guardian consent. All medications, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications require a physician’s order and parent/guardian consent form. If both forms are not received then the medication can not be given by the school nurse. The only exception is the Bellingham Schools Standing Order medications.
1. A written order from a licensed prescriber is required for all prescription medication. All written orders must include:
- Student’s legal name, date of birth, diagnosis
- Name of the medication
- Dose to be administered
- Route of administration
- Time of administration
2. Medication that is required to be administered for ten (10) days or less, the pharmacy-labeled container may serve as the doctor’s order. A parental authorization form must be completed by the parent/guardian before the medication can be administered.
3. All medication must be brought to the school nurse by a parent/guardian. No student will be allowed to bring any medication with them to school. This safety policy is to protect all children while at school and on the way to school.
Your child should always take the first dose of a new medication at home. A parent/guardian should monitor their child for any signs of allergic reactions or side effects. The parent/guardian knows their child the best. Thank you for your understanding in this very important matter.
Nurse Jean 508-966-9861
