When a medical practitioner has prescribed medication that must be administered during the school day, parents are responsible for:
- bringing this need to the attention of the school.
- ensuring that the information is updated if it changes.
- supplying the medication and any 'consumables' necessary for its administration in a timely way.
- collaborating with the school in working out arrangements for the supply and administration of the prescribed medication.
The administration of such medication forms part of the Department's common law duty of care to take reasonable steps to keep students safe while they attend school.
This duty of care is fulfilled through its staff members.
Key points to remember:
- Parents of children who require prescribed medication to be administered at school must complete a written request.
- The principal will provide the form to the parent.
If parents have difficulty completing the form they should ask the principal for assistance. - Please note: Students' immediate access to prescribed medication is very important for the effective management of conditions such as asthma. Students and parents need to be advised of this requirement so that students are not left without access to critical medication.
- It is the principal's responsibility to fully inform relevant staff of the management implications of students requiring the administration of prescribed medication.
- Except in an emergency, only individual staff members who have volunteered and been trained will administer prescribed medication to students.
- The principal will oversee the implementation of the course of action that he or she has determined is necessary for the support of the student's health needs.
- It is the principal's responsibility to ensure that all copies of the written medical advice and any other relevant documentation are stored in a secure and confidential manner.
Advice or further information to assist the principal can be obtained from student welfare consultants and disability programs consultant.
All medication needs to be handed into the office or staff at the gates on arrival. On no account should medication be left in school bags where they are accessible to other students. All staff hold emergency care certificates.