105 C.M.R. 210.003 – Policies Governing the Administration of Medications in Schools

(A) The School Committee or governing body, consulting with the Board of Health where appropriate, shall adopt policies and procedures governing the administration of medications and self-administration of medications within the school system, following development of a proposal by the medication program manager, in consultation with the school physician. Review and revision of such policies and procedures shall occur as needed but at least every two years. At a minimum, these policies shall include:
1. (1) designation of a medication program manager as supervisor of the medication administration program in a school;
2. (2) documentation of the administration of medications;
3. (3) response to a medication emergency;
4. (4) storage of medications;
5. (5) reporting and documentation of medication errors;
6. (6) dissemination of information to caregivers. Such information shall include an outline of a school's medication policies and shall be available to caregivers upon request;
7. (7) procedures for resolving questions between the school and a caregiver regarding administration of medications. Such procedures shall provide for and encourage the participation of the caregiver. Existing procedures for resolution of differences may be used whenever appropriate.
(B) The School Committee or governing body shall submit these policies and procedures to the Department of Public Health upon request.
(C) All schools/districts where medication is stored or where medication administration is delegated to unlicensed school personnel must obtain a Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration by registering with the Department of Public Health. At minimum, schools/districts may accomplish this by registering for emergency medication training.
(D) Schools/districts are not authorized to make use of 105 CMR 700.003(C) for the administration of emergency rescue medications during regular school activities.
(E) Schools/districts that hold a Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration may purchase stock prescription medications not prescribed to an individual as permitted by the Drug Control Program.