{"id":354950,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/school-safety\/state-laws-on-schools-authority-to-administer-medication-and.html"},"modified":"2024-04-18T13:21:29","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T18:21:29","slug":"state-laws-on-schools-authority-to-administer-medication-and","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/school-safety\/state-laws-on-schools-authority-to-administer-medication-and.html","title":{"rendered":"State Laws on Schools’ Authority to Administer Medication and Drugs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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State Laws on Schools' Authority to Administer Medication and Drugs<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Public schools generally do not allow students to self-administer medications without following certain procedures. This is because it could open the school to liability and abuse problems. For example, students may begin selling prescription drugs to other students. However, many students have legitimate medical needs. Most states have laws and procedures for dispensing medications to students.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

The state department of education often requires public schools within the state to adopt policies. These policies should address the administration of medication. The following information provides an overview of relevant state laws. These laws govern the administration of medication in schools.<\/p>\r\n

General Overview: Medication at School<\/h2>\r\n

For many students, taking medicine during the school day is crucial. They may need these interventions to stay healthy and take part in school activities. Often, a middle school or high school staff member is responsible for giving medicine to students. These school staff follow strict rules to ensure school safety. They must follow guidelines before dispensing any medication. This is true regardless of whether the medication is over-the-counter or prescription.<\/p>\r\n

For example, medications must be in their original containers. This helps the school staff ensure they give the right medicine to the right student. It also ensures the medicine is safe and has not expired. Parents share information about the student’s health condition at enrollment. This information helps the school prepare. For example, the school knows to keep auto-injectors handy if a student has anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction.<\/p>\r\n

Medicines aren’t only given during regular school hours. The school staff is responsible for students on field trips or attending after-school activities. They must make sure they get the medicine they need.<\/p>\r\n

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973<\/a> is a federal law addressing related services for students with disabilities. This law requires schools to help students with disabilities in many ways, including by giving them their medicine. Parents must collect any medicine left at school when the school year finishes. This makes sure that medicines don’t get lost or misused.<\/p>\r\n

These are general guidelines. State laws on administering medication in schools can vary. Read on to learn about each state’s related laws.<\/p>\r\n

State Laws on Administering Medication at School<\/h2>\r\n

Check our state-by-state directory of laws on schools’ authority to administer medication and drugs:<\/p>\r\n