105 C.M.R. 210.008 – Handling, Storage and Disposal of Medications

(A) A caregiver or caregiver-designated responsible adult shall deliver all medications to be administered by school personnel or to be taken by self-administering students, if required by the self-administration agreement 105 CMR 210.006, to the school nurse or other person designated and trained by the school nurse to receive medication.
1. (1) The medication must be in a pharmacy or manufacturer labelled container specific to that medication.
2. (2) The school nurse or other trained person receiving the medication shall document the quantity of the medication delivered.
3. (3) In extenuating circumstances, as determined by the school nurse, the medication may be delivered by other persons or a licensed pharmacy; provided, however, that the school nurse is notified in advance by the caregiver of the arrangement and the quantity of medication being delivered to the school.
(B) All medications shall be stored in their original pharmacy or manufacturer labelled containers and in such manner as to render them safe and effective.
(C) All medications to be administered by school personnel shall be kept in a securely locked cabinet used exclusively for medications, which is kept locked except when opened to obtain medications. The cabinet shall be substantially constructed and anchored securely to a solid surface. Medications requiring refrigeration shall be stored in either a locked box in a refrigerator or in a locked refrigerator maintained at temperatures between 36°F (2°C) to 46°F (8°C). Medications requiring freezer storage shall be stored in either a locked box in a freezer or in a locked freezer maintained at temperatures between -13°F (-25°C) to 14°F (-10°C).
(D) Access to stored medications shall be limited to persons authorized to administer medications and to self-medicating students, to the extent permitted by school policy developed pursuant to 105 CMR 210.006(7). Access to keys and knowledge of the location of keys shall be restricted to the maximum extent possible. Students who are self-medicating shall not have access to other students' medications.
(E) Caregivers may retrieve the medications from the school at any time.
(F) No more than a 30-school-day supply of the medication for a student shall be stored at the school, with the exception of multidose devices, which may contain more than a 30-day supply.
(G) Where possible, all unused, discontinued or outdated medications shall be returned to the caregiver and the return appropriately documented. In extenuating circumstances, with caregiver consent when possible, such medications may be destroyed by the school nurse in accordance with any applicable policies of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Drug Control Program.