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Administering Medications to Students 6125

Purpose

The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD) is committed to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of students in order to support academic success and full participation in school and residential life.  This policy establishes guidelines for the provision of student health services in alignment with applicable state and federal laws and existing ENCSD policies related to health, safety, medication administration, and emergency response.

I. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

  • Student Health Services: Health-related services provided by ENCSD to support students’ physical, emotional, and medical needs.
  • Qualified Health Personnel: Licensed or trained ENCSD staff, including school nurses, and other designated personnel, authorized to provide health services in accordance with law and ENCSD procedures.
  • Individual Health Plan (IHP): A written plan developed for a student with specific medical needs, outline required accommodations, medications, emergency responses, and staff responsibilities.
  • Emergency Medical Condition: A condition that poses an immediate risk to life or health and requires prompt medical attention.

II. General Policy

ENCSD shall provide student health services that are safe, effective, and responsive to the needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in an academic and residential setting.  Student health services shall be delivered in coordination with families, medical providers, and residential staff and shall align with related ENCSD policies, including but not limited to emergency medical administration, communicable diseases, student safety, and residential life procedures.

III. Scope of Student Health Services

Student health services at ENCSD may include, but are not limited to:

  1. First aid and emergency care
  2. Administration of medications in accordance with ENCSD medication policies
  3. Management of chronic health conditions
  4. Development and implementation of Individual Health Plans (IHPs)
  5. Emergency response for allergic reactions, asthma, diabetes, seizures, and other medical conditions
  6. Health screenings and referrals as required or appropriate
  7. Coordination of care during instructional and residential programming hours

IV. Medication Administration and Emergency Care

  1. Medication Administration
    1. Medications shall be administered in accordance with ENCSD policies and administrative procedures governing medication storage, documentation, and parental authorization.
    2. Only qualified health personnel or trained staff authorized under ENCSD policies may administer medications to students.
  2. Emergency Medications

Emergency medications, including but not limited to epinephrine auto-injectors, shall be stored and administered in accordance with ENCSD Policy 5024/6127/7266 Emergency Epinephrine and other applicable ENCSD emergency medication policies.

V. Individual Health Plans and Student Accommodations

  1. ENCSD shall develop Individual Health Plans for students with identified medical needs that require ongoing monitoring or emergency response.
  2. Health plans shall be coordinated with relevant educational, residential, and safety plans, including IEPs, Section 504 plans, and residential support plans when applicable.
  3. Reasonable accommodations shall be provided to ensure students’ health needs do not impede access to educational or extra-curricular opportunities.

VI. Residential Program Considerations 

Given ENCSD’s residential program, student health services shall be available during school hours, evenings, overnight periods, weekends (when applicable), and school-sponsored activities.  Health services during residential hours shall be coordinated among health personnel, residential staff, and administrators to ensure continuity of car and timely emergency response.

VII. Parental Communication and Consent

  1. Parents/guardians shall be informed of health services provided to their child, including emergency care, medication administration, and changes to health status.
  2. Required medical documentation, consent forms, and emergency contact information shall be maintained in accordance with ENCSD procedures and confidentiality requirements.

VIII. Confidentiality

Student health records shall be maintained confidentially and shared only with authorized personnel in accordance with applicable laws, including FERPA and other privacy protections.

IX. Training and Staff Responsibilities

  1. ENCSD shall provide appropriate training to staff regarding student health needs, emergency response, and medication administration as required by law and policy.
  2. Staff members are expected to comply with all ENCSD health and safety policies and to promptly report health concerns or emergencies.

 

Legal References

  • G.S. § 115C-47 – Powers and duties of local boards of education
  • G.S. § 115C-375 – Care of students with special health care needs
  • G.S. § 115C-375.1 – Administration of medication to students
  • G.S. § 115C-375.2A – Supply of epinephrine auto-injectors
  • G.S. § 115C-390.2 – Student discipline policies
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  • North Carolina Department of Public Instruction – Student Health Services guidance
Policy