3.16.3.6: Medication Policy
- Page ID
- 41700
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Medication Policy for Early Childhood Program
Purpose
This policy ensures the safe administration of medication to children while they are in the care of the program. It aims to protect children’s health, comply with regulatory guidelines, and provide clear instructions to staff and families.
Policy Statement
The program will administer medication to children only when it is necessary for their health and well-being, and with proper documentation and consent from the child’s parent/guardian and, if required, a healthcare provider. Medications will be handled and stored securely, and only designated, trained staff members will administer them.
Medication Guidelines
1. Types of Medication Accepted
- Prescription Medications: Must be in the original container with the child’s name, dosage instructions, and prescribing healthcare provider’s name clearly labeled.
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Accepted only with written authorization from the parent/guardian and, in some cases, a healthcare provider.
- Emergency Medications: (e.g., EpiPens, asthma inhalers): Must be provided by parents and kept readily accessible for emergencies.
- Topical Medications: (e.g., sunscreen, diaper cream): Accepted with written parent/guardian consent.
2. Authorization for Medication Administration
- A completed and signed Medication Authorization Form is required for all medications.
- The form must include:
- Child’s name
- Medication name
- Dosage and time(s) of administration
- Reason for medication
- Duration of medication use
- Parent/guardian signature
- Healthcare provider’s signature (if required)
3. Medication Storage
- Medications will be stored in a designated, secure location:
- Refrigerated medications will be kept in a locked container in the refrigerator.
- Non-refrigerated medications will be kept in a locked cabinet out of children’s reach.
- Emergency medications (e.g., EpiPens) will be stored in a readily accessible, secured location known to staff.
4. Administration Procedures
- Preparation:
- Check the child’s name and medication instructions on the authorization form and medication label.
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling medication.
- Measure the correct dosage using appropriate tools (e.g., medicine cups, droppers, syringes).
- Administration:
- Administer medication as directed on the label and authorization form.
- Remain calm and reassuring while administering medication to the child.
- Verify that the child has taken the medication.
- Documentation:
- Record each administration on the Medication Administration Log, including:
- Date and time
- Dosage
- Staff member’s initials/signature
- Notify parents/guardians of any issues (e.g., missed doses, child refusal, side effects).
- Record each administration on the Medication Administration Log, including:
5. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
- Provide medication in its original, labeled container.
- Complete and submit the required Medication Authorization Form.
- Inform staff of any changes to medication instructions or the child’s health.
- Provide any necessary measuring tools (e.g., droppers, syringes).
6. Staff Responsibilities
- Only designated and trained staff may administer medication.
- Staff must follow the medication policy and procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding a child’s medication and health needs.
- Ensure proper documentation and communication with families.
7. Emergency Situations
- In case of a medication-related emergency or adverse reaction:
- Follow the program's emergency response procedures.
- Administer emergency medication (e.g., EpiPen) as instructed.
- Contact emergency services (911) if necessary.
- Notify the child’s parent/guardian immediately.
Prohibited Practices
- No medication will be administered without proper authorization and documentation.
- Medications will not be shared between children.
- Expired medications will not be administered and will be returned to the parent/guardian.
Compliance and Review
This policy complies with state regulations and licensing requirements for early childhood programs. It will be reviewed annually and updated as needed.
This medication policy ensures that children’s health needs are met safely and responsibly while under the program's care.