The Medication Procedures of the Omaha Public Schools prohibit administration of any medication or self-administration by a student without a written order from a licensed prescriber. No unauthorized medication (including Tylenol, cough drops, Advil, antacids, etc.) shall be administered by the school nurse or other school personnel without a written order from a licensed prescriber. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide updated medication orders annually and as changes occur. Medication orders must be completed by a health care provider and signed by the parent/guardian.

When a student must take medication, these procedures will be adhered to:

• The school has in writing a statement from a licensed prescriber which includes the student's name, the name of the medication, dosage, frequency and time of administration, the date of the order and the discontinuation date. The statement must be signed by the legal prescriber.
• Effort should be made to obtain information regarding any special side effects, contraindications and adverse reactions to be observed for the individual student.
• The parent/guardian shall provide a written statement that authorizes school personnel to administer the medication during school hours.
• The medication provided by the parent/guardian has the prescription label, complete with the student's name and prescriber's instructions. (Pharmacists may provide two containers, one labeled for school, the other for home use.)
• All medication must be brought to school in the original pharmacy or manufacturer's labeled container in such a manner as to render them safe and effective. Locked storage for medications is available in each school.
• It is recommended that only one week's supply of medication be brought to school at a time, unless otherwise indicated by the parent/guardian or physician.
• At the end of the school year, medications may be returned home with the written permission of the parent/guardian. If the medication is controlled (such as Ritalin), the parent/guardian must pick it up in person at the school. Please check with your school nurse if you have any questions.