Please keep the following guidelines in mind when bringing medications:

• Medication will not be accepted without the required physician/parent authorization.

• All medication must be in the original prescription or over-the-counter container. 

• Medication brought to the clinic in containers such as, but not limited to, plastic wrap or bags, foil, jars, paper towels, envelopes, etc. will NOT be administered.

• All medications shall be delivered by a parent or guardian to the school nurse where the medications will be kept in the school clinic.  Medications may not be kept in the classroom or administered by a teacher in the classroom.  

• Non prescription medications (over the counter - OTC) must come in the original container, accompanied by a parent note and consent form requesting medication be dispensed by health personnel.  These medications will be administered as directed on the label, unless otherwise directed from the doctor in writing.  After 10 days of use a note from the doctor is required.  (Ex. of OTC meds: tylenol, advil, mucinex, cough syrups, cough drops etc.)

Prescription Medications: All prescription medications must be brought into the clinic and picked up by an adult.  All prescription medication will be logged in on the day received, noting name, dose, and number of pills.  Prescription bottles must be current, within 45 days of being filled by a pharmacist.  These will be kept in a locked cabinet in the nurse's office at all times. A reminder note will be sent home with the student to inform the parent of the need for refill medications. Medications will not be accepted if not in their correct containers, and a parent will be called to come to pick up the medication. The school health personnel will make themselves familiar with the type of medication being taken to help be prepared for any adverse reactions or problems.

ANY controlled substances:

• Must be brought to school by the parent/guardian.
• It MUST be in the original container, and
• Can only be given as directed on the label.

Under NO circumstances will these medications be released to the student to take home. A responsible parent/ guardian must pick these up.

Over the counter medications: All OTC (Ex. of OTC meds: tylenol, advil, mucinex, cough syrups, cough drops etc.) medications must have a medication administration consent form signed authorizing school personnel to administer the medications as directed on the label.  These medications must be in their original container, after 10 days of use, a physician's note is required. Even if the student is eighteen years of age, if they are living at home with a parent, the parent must give written permission for the student to have medications administered at school. Only if the student eighteen years of age and living on their own will they be allowed to write their own note for administration.

Medicine at School: We encourage you to send your child to school, but not if they are ill. Students running a fever, vomiting during the night, having pinkeye, or an eye infection, unexplained rash, etc. should not be sent to school. Students are not allowed back in school until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducers. District employees will give a student prescription or non-prescription medication if the following guidelines are met:

• All medications (prescription/non-prescription) must be delivered to school by the parent/guardian accompanied by a completed medication request form. Over the counter medications must be given as directed on the label or accompanied by a signed note from the physician. The prescription medication must be in the original prescription bottle and properly labeled (including antibiotics, eye/ear drops, etc…). Controlled substances must be delivered and picked up by parent/guardian. Examples of controlled substances include: Adderal, Dexedrine, Ritalin, Tylenol w/Codeine, Hydrocodone, etc.

• If the substance is herbal/homeopathic or a dietary supplement, it must be delivered by the parent and will only be administered if required by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan for a student with disabilities. The school is not allowed to furnish aspirin, Tylenol, etc. You may deliver it to the nurse to give to your child by following the above requirements. Under no circumstances will medicines be given that do not meet the above requirements! If you have any health related questions, our school nurse will be available daily from 7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

• All medications must be picked up by the parent as well.

Asthma: A student with asthma who has written authorization from his or her parent and physician or other licensed health care provider may be permitted, at the student’s discretion, to possess and use prescribed asthma medication at school or school-related events. The student and parents should see the school nurse or principal if the student has been prescribed asthma medication for use during the school day. [For further information, see policies at FFAC.]

Asthma Inhalers and Epi-Pen Use: Asthma inhalers can be carried by the student as a result of House Bill 1688. According to Texas Education Code Chapter 38, Section 38.015, students are permitted to possess and self-administer prescription asthma or anaphylaxis medicine. The student must demonstrate to the student’s physician or healthcare provider, and the school nurse if available, that they demonstrate the skills necessary to self-administer the medication. The physician and parents must sign an authorization form indicating consent to self-administer and specific information that provides details outlining whether the student has asthma or anaphylaxis, and the purpose, dosage, frequency, and duration of the medication to be self-administered. The student and parents should see the school nurse or principal if the student has been prescribed asthma medication for use during the school day. [For further information, see policies at FFAC.]

Nebulized Medications: All nebulizer supplies are to be provided by parents at the start of every school year.  It is the parent's responsibility to replace supplies as needed.  The school nurse will ensure parents are notified of this need in a timely manner.  All nebulizer supplies will need to be signed in and out by parents at the start and end of each school year.  Supplies are not kept on campus for the following school year.  If you have questions please call your campus nurse or aide..