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Administering Medications at School

To protect the health and safety of all students, FCPS1 follows strict procedures for administering medication during school hours. These guidelines align with Virginia School Health Guidelines and FCPS School Board Policy 7-5.3.

Prescription Medications

School personnel may administer prescription medications only with:

  • A completed physician’s order
  • Written permission from the student’s parent or guardian (Form 7-5.3(A)F1)
  • Medication in its original pharmacy-labeled container
  • Delivery of medication to the school by a parent or guardian (unless alternative arrangements have been made)

Non-Prescription (Over-the-Counter) Medications

Non-prescription medications can be given to students if:

  • Written parental permission is provided (Form 7-5.3(A)F1)
  • The medication is in its original, unopened container
  • The request includes the dosage, reason for administration, and duration
  • If the medication will be given for more than 10 consecutive days, a physician’s note is required

⚠️ Important: School staff may only administer the recommended dosage unless a physician’s order specifies otherwise. All medications must be picked up by a parent or guardian by the last day of school, or they will be discarded.

Self-Administration of Medication

Students are not permitted to self-carry or self-administer medications except in certain approved cases. The following items may be carried without written permission:

  • Non-medicated lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Saline solution

For all other medications, students may only self-administer if:

  • A parental consent form (Form 7-5.3(A)F2) is submitted
  • The student’s healthcare provider completes the necessary documentation
  • An Individualized Health Care Plan is on file
  • The student demonstrates the ability to self-administer safely

All permissions are valid for one school year and must be renewed annually. If a student violates the policy, they may lose the privilege to self-administer and could face disciplinary action.

Emergency Transportation Cards

If your child has a medical condition that could lead to an emergency while riding the school bus, please request an Emergency Transportation Card from your school nurse. The completed card should be returned to the clinic within five days.