Self-administration and Self-carry of Medications

Consistent with school policy, the school nurse maypermit self-carryand self-administration of medication by a student provided that the following requirements are met: (1) the student, school nurse and caregiver, where appropriate, enter into an agreement which specifies the conditions under which medication maybe self-administered, which may include the conditions under which a student may self-carry medication for the purpose of administration by another, or whether the medication being self-administered is being taken or applied by the student themselves or with an FDA-approved medical device; (2) the school nurse, as appropriate, develops a medication administration plan pursuant to 105 CMR 210.005(E) which contains only those elements necessary to ensure safe self- administration of medication; the school nurse evaluates the student's health status and abilities and deems self- administration safe and appropriate. As necessary, the school nurse shall observe initial self-administration of the medication; (4) the school nurse is reasonably assured that the student is able to identify the appropriate medication, knows the frequency and time of day for which the medication is ordered, and follows the school self-administration protocols; (5) there is written authorization from the student's caregiver that the student may self- administer medication, unless the student has consented to treatment under M.G.L. c. 112, § 12F or other authority permitting the student to consent to medical treatment without caregiver permission; (6) if requested by the school nurse, the licensed prescriber provides a written order for self administration; (7) the school nurse establishes a plan for the safe storage of self-administered medication and, as necessary, consults with teachers, the student and caregiver, if appropriate, to determine a safe place for storing the medication for the individual student, while providing for accessibility if the student's health needs require it. This may include self-carry of the medication and this information shall be included in the medication administration plan. In the case of an inhaler or other preventive or emergency medication, whenever possible, a backup supply of the medication shall be kept in the health room or a second readily available location; the school nurse develops and implements a plan to monitor the student's self- administration, based on the student's abilities and health status. Monitoring may include teaching the student the correct way of taking the medication, and notifying the caregiver or licensed prescriber of any side effects, variation from the plan, or the student's refusal or failure to take the medication; (9) with caregiver and student permission, if required by law, as appropriate, the school nurse may inform appropriate teachers and administrators that the student is self-administering and/or self-carrying a medication.