Broward County School Board Has Changed The Rules On Students Self-Administering Medication

BY LINDSEY HANNAH

The medication policy for Broward County schools has changed, resulting in certain formerly-prohibited actions to be allowed under certain circumstances. Policy 6305, Administration of Medications/Treatments, has undergone the following alterations.

First of all, students of every grade level can now carry and self-administer sunscreen and bug repellents, however aerosol sprays or pump products are still not allowed. Before these can be carried and self-administered, parents must complete the Authorization Form for Self-Carry and Self Administer of Selected Over-The-Counter (OTC) Topical Products.

High school students are also now permitted to carry and self-administer some over-the-counter medications. There are seven that are allowed: Tylenol, Midol, Ibuprofen, Tums, Allegra, Claritin and Lactaid. Parents also need to fill out the Authorization Form for Selected OTC Medications. Only two doses one medication are permitted at any one time; any changes require a new form
to be completed and submitted.

“As someone with chronic migraine and menstrual cramps that would make a grown man cry, the new medication policy is a godsend,” a CCHS student, who prefers to remain anonymous, said. “I never liked having to go down to the office during school just to get some pain killers, especially since it would mean missing class time or being late to class. I would often simply forego the medication, and go through the day uncomfortable and unfocused.”

Extenuating circumstances may be considered after a request is filed with the principal. The breaking of the guidelines listed in the Code of Student Conduct’s Policy 5.8 will result in disciplinary action.

An outline of the changes can be found on the Cooper City High School website. The full medication policy is available on www.browardhealthservices.com.