Medications

In the best interest of students and for the prevention of possible drug abuse, Ephrata Area School District staff believes it is necessary to put the following guidelines in place regarding students taking medication while they are in school.

Due to the availability of long-acting medication there should be only limited need for students to take medication during the hours the student is in school.  The school board, school administration and school physicians believe the act of administering medication must not become the responsibility of the school staff.  Board policy states that “administration of prescribed medication to a student during school hours in accordance with the direction of a parent/guardian and family physician will be permitted only when failure to take such medicine would jeopardize the health of the student or the student would not be able to attend school if the medicine were not available during school hours.” Therefore, we ask that every attempt be made to take the medicine at home.

School Board Policies

Medication/Health Forms

What Do School Nurses Have Available?

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) for grades 5-12

  • Benadryl

  • Antacids (Tums)

  • Cough Drops

  • Emergency Meds

    • We have stock EpiPens available in case of unknown allergies

    • We carry Narcan in the EIS/EMS as well as EHS

Medication Procedure

Parents/guardians have the primary responsibility for the health of their children. As a general rule and if at all possible, medication should be taken at home. In the event that a medication needs to be administered during the school day, the parent/guardian must provide the following information:

  1. Prescription (Medication Form)

    • Contact your student’s school nurse to discuss medications and plan for administering at school. At the time of medication drop off, there must be a signed order from the student’s prescribing medical provider.

    • NOTE: Self-carry medications require an order and THIS FORM completed.

Over-The-Counter Medications

  • Essential Oils

    • The student will need an order from their doctor for the nurse to administer the essential oils and a Medication Form must be completed. This is the same for over the counter medications too. The nurse will need instructions on how much, how this essential oil needs to be given and how often. It may be given with a carrier oil and this should be written in the doctor’s order.  Essential oils fall under the homeopathic category of over the counter medications.

Health Services Info