HEALTH POLICIES

This page will provide information on the district's policies and guidelines regarding the health of students and staff.

Head lice

• Guidelines (PDF)

Food Allergy and School Treats

• K-5 Classroom Treat Guidelines (PDF)

Medication at school

Medication administration at school is discouraged. Please consult the prescribing physician, nurse practitioner or dentist to ascertain if the medication can be administered at times when the child is at home. Medications will only be administered during school hours when it is essential to do so: allows return to the classroom; minimizes missed school days; improves student functioning; as part of treatment plan for management of a complex disability or illness; or may be necessary for life-threatening emergencies.

Before school personnel can administer prescribed medication, State of Ohio law (ORC Section 3313.713) requires that:

1. The parent must complete and sign the parent permission section of the Gahanna-Jefferson Medication Authorization form.
2. The licensed prescriber complete and sign the provider portion of the form. A note from the prescriber will not be accepted unless it contains all the information contained in State law (Section 3313.713 O.R.C.).
3. The completed and signed form must be returned to school before the medication can be administered at school.If the form is being faxed to the school, please ensure that the original form with actual parent and provider signatures is received by the school within one week of receipt of the faxed copy.
4. The medication must be brought to school, by a parent or other responsible adult, in the original container labeled with your child’s name, the provider’s name, the name of the medication, the dose and time it is to be taken.The instructions on the medication label must match the information given by the prescriber on the medication form.
5. Each medication must have a separate form.
6. Any change in dosage will require a new form to be completed by the prescriber and parent before the new dosage can be given. A new prescription bottle with the correct label must be provided to the school.
7. If liquid medications are prescribed, the parent must provide an accurate measuring spoon.
8. All medication must be kept in the clinic (except for asthma inhalers or auto-injector epinephrine, provided appropriate forms have been completed and student requirements met).
9. To see if your child is a candidate for self-possession of an asthma inhaler or auto-injector epinephrine, please contact your School Nurse directly.
10. If medication must be taken with food, it is the responsibility of the parent to provide food, as well as any necessary utensil(s).
11. Allergy shots will not be given to students by school personnel. 

Ohio law does not regulate the administration of non-prescription medications at public schools. In the Gahanna-Jefferson middle and high schools, only completion of the GJ parent authorization form is required for the administration of non-prescription medication.If the minimum age requirement, desired dose or frequency exceeds what is on the medication label instructions, the Prescription Medication Authorization Form is required to be completed by both the parent and child’s health care provider.

Before school personnel can administer non-prescription medication at school, the following procedure must be followed:

1. The parent must complete and sign the Gahanna-Jefferson Parent’s Permission for Students Taking Over the Counter Medication form.
2. Medication needs to be delivered to the school by a responsible adult. The medication must be in the original container.
3. Medication must be stored in a locked cabinet in the clinic. Students are not permitted to keep any medication with them or in their locker or personal belongings (except for asthma inhalers or auto-injector epinephrine, provided appropriate forms have been completed and student requirements met).
4. Students must take their medication in the clinic. It is the responsibility of the student to come to the clinic at the necessary time(s) to take the medication.
5. If there is any change in the medication, dose, or instructions, a new parent permission form must be completed. A new medication form is required each school year.
6. If medication must be taken with food, it is the responsibility of the parent to provide food, as well as any necessary utensil(s).