Medication administration is an essential service schools provide to support student health and learning. The complexity of medication administration in the school environment continues to evolve due to various factors, and students may require medications for various reasons. The school nurse is often the only health professional in the building. The school nurse selects and trains UAPs annually and continually evaluates them for competence in performing a selected nursing task, such as medication administration. The medication training videos provided are intended to augment the school nurse's training, not replace it.
The Maine Department of Education provides the following guidelines in accordance with Maine Revised Statute Title 20-A section 6403-A (5), which directs the commissioner to issue guidelines on the provision of school health services and health-related activities.
Medication Administration in Maine Schools: Evidence-Based Guidelines
References
- Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 254, subsection 5 Requirement that school administrative units (SAU) develop a policy on medication administration
- 05-071 C.M.R. ch.40 (2022) Rule for Medication Administration in Maine Schools Outline of what must be included for medication administration. Local procedures/protocols must be developed for the proper disposal of medications not retrieved by parents or guardians.
- Maine Medication Drop-Off Location Map
- DEA National Take Back Day Unused Medication Collection Site, Locator
It is recommended that medication be administered only when it is essential for the student to remain in school.
Resources
Sample Forms
- Certificate of Attendance for Training
- Sample List of Trained Unlicensed Assistive PersonnelWord
- Sample Collaborative Practice AgreementWord
- Sample Medication Administration Procedure for Field TripWord
- Sample Medication Authorization FormWord
- Sample Medication Error Protocol (National Association of School Nurses)
- Sample Medication Error Reporting FormWord
- Sample Medication Training Competency ChecklistWord
- Sample Medication Training for Field Trip ChecklistWord
- Sample Refrigeration Temperature LogWord
Quick Guides & Posters
Training Videos
Contact
Emily Poland, MPH, RN, NCSN
School Nurse Consultant / Coordinated School Health Team Leader
Email: Emily.Poland@maine.gov