What kind of medicine can I keep at school for my student?

Non-Prescription Medications:
Over-the-counter medications may be kept in the Clinic for students to use on an "as needed" basis.  This includes medications such as cough drops, Motrin, Benadryl, Tums, etc.  A Fulton County "SHS-1 Authorization to Give" form needs to be completed and signed by a parent/legal guardian BEFORE the medication is given at school.  This form gives us details about WHY (sore from braces?), WHEN (how often? what time?) and HOW MUCH (1 tab? 2 tabs?)  we should be giving to your student.  All over-the-counter medications MUST be in the original container (no baggies, foil, etc.) .  Make sure the check the expiration date!  Expired medicine will NOT be given at school.  

​Prescription Medications:
Prescription medicine that needs to be administered during school hours may also be kept in the Clinic.  This includes daily medicines, antibiotics, doctor-prescribed eye drops/ointments,  and rescue medications (inhalers, EpiPens) etc.  A Fulton County "SHS-1 Authorization to Give" form needs to be completed and signed by a parent/legal guardian AND the student's physician BEFORE the medication is given at school.  The doctor should complete this form to give the Clinic details about WHY (asthma?), WHEN (before recess? lunchtime?), and HOW MUCH (2 puffs? 3 puffs?).  
All prescription medications MUST be in the original container (no baggies, foil, etc.)  labeled with:

• STUDENT'S NAME    [Smith, John]
• MEDICATION NAME   [EpiPen Jr.]
• MEDICATION DOSE  [0.15mg]
• INSTRUCTIONS [Inject IM for allergic reaction] 

*Please make sure the prescription medication is NOT EXPIRED and that the label on the medicine MATCHES the doctor's order on the completed SHS-1 form.  

"Rescue" Medications

Rescue medications include any medication that must be given to a student who may have a life-threatening reaction/illness at school.  This includes:

• inhalers for students with asthma
  
• EpiPens & Benadryl for students with life-threatening allergies
  
• Diastat (or other seizure medications)
  
• Glucagon for diabetic students 
  

To keep these medications at school, the "SHS-1 Authorization to Give" form must be completed by a parent/legal guardian AND a physician.  It is also important to have an "action plan" or "care plan" on file for your student so that the Clinic knows what to do specifically for your student during an emergency.  A parent/legal guardian AND a physician must fill these plans out as well.  Student Health Services provides several varieties of "action" and "care" plans and can be found under the "Forms" tab on this site.  It is important to notify the Clinic of emergency contact and health information whenever changes are made.

How can I get this medication to the Clinic?

The medication and authorization form SHOULD be  taken directly to the Clinic/office by the parent/legal guardian.  However, if this is not possible, the student should be instructed to take the medication and authorization  form directly to the Clinic upon arrival to school.  A parent/legal guardian MUST bring in controlled substance medications (ADHD medications, pain medications, etc.). 

What kind of medications are NOT allowed in the Clinic?

Non-essential medications , such as, vitamins, essential oils, and herbal supplements should be taken at home when possible and are not kept in the Clinic.   For more information on this Fulton County policy, please contact Mrs. Casey or refer to the Student Health Services Parent Letter.