West Fargo Public Schools has a program for providing medication to students during the school day and when students are otherwise under the district's direct supervision. In order to have medications given at school, the requirements of the applicable medication policy need to be satisfied. In addition, parents or guardians must make arrangements with the building principal for students who will require medication off-campus while under the district's supervision prior to the activity or the event. If the prescribed medication pertains to North Dakota Century Code 15.1-19.16, Asthma Anaphylaxis Self-Administration of Medication by Student Liability, the student may self-carry.

PROCEDURES
Prescription Medications

• Prescription or Over the Counter (OTC) Authorization for Medication Administration Form must be signed by a parent/guardian and the licensed health care provider. A computerized medication list from the health care provider will also be accepted.
• Medication must be submitted to the school in the original prescription bottle with a pharmacy label.

For Self-Administration of Prescription Medication, the following is required:

• Authorization to self-administer medication from the student's healthcare provider.  This authorization must indicate whether the student is authorized only to self-administer the medication or is authorized to carry and self-administer.
• Instructions from an appropriate healthcare provider on how, when, and how long the student will need to self-administer the medication.
• Certification from the healthcare provider that the student has received instruction in and is capable of self-administering the medication in a responsible manner.
• For controlled substances, only 2-3 pills can be with the student at one time.
• A parent/guardian and student signature are also required on the form.    

Over the Counter Medications

• Prescription or Over the Counter (OTC) Authorization for Medication Administration Form must be signed by a parent/guardian.
• A licensed health care provider signature is only necessary if the dose is not the manufacturer's recommended dosage as listed on the container.
• Medication must be submitted to the school in the original container.

For Self-Administration of Over the Counter(OTC) Medication, the following is required:

• Instructions from the parent/guardian on how, when, and how long the student will self-administer the medication.  If the student will take a dosage other than as recommended by the manufacturer, the District requires approval from the appropriate healthcare provider prior to authorizing the student to self-administer
• Certification from the parent/guardian that the student has received instruction in and is capable of self-administering the medication in a responsible and secure manner. This certification must indicate whether the student has parental consent to self-administer the medication or has parental consent to carry and self-administer the medication.
• A parent/guardian and student signature is required on the form.                                                                                                                                                            

Stock Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Only available for students in grades 1-12.
• Prescription or Over the Counter (OTC) Authorization for Medication Administration Form must be signed by a parent/guardian. Verbal permission by the parent/guardian is also acceptable.
• The school will only give the manufacturer's recommended dosage to the student.

Additional Stock Medication (Ibuprofen and Antacids)

• Only available for students in grades 6-12
• Prescription of Over the Counter(OTC) Authorization for Medication Administration form must be signed by parent/guardian. Verbal permission by the parent/guardian is also acceptable.
• The school will only give the manufacturer's recommended dosage to the student.

Additional Guidelines

• Medications forms must be updated every year.
• Medication forms must be updated when the student has a change in the medication dosage or time of administration.
• The school prefers the parent/guardian to deliver the medication to the school and not the student. This is for the safety of all students.
• The medications should be FDA approved or if necessary the nurse can consult with the health care provider to determine if the medication is necessary for the current care of the student.
• Medication will not be sent home with the student but can be sent home with the parent/guardian.
• Medications will be destroyed if they are not picked up by the parent within one week after school dismissal.
• Do not send any medications on the bus with your child.