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Medication

Guidelines for taking medications while at school

To ensure students receive needed medication and that it is not misused, District 196 has developed rules for the administration of medication in school. All prescription medication must be kept in the office of the school nurse and must be administered by the school nurse or other appropriate school personnel, unless the Authorization for Student Possession and Self-medication with Inhaler, Epi-Pen and/or Insulin form at school has been completed and is on file with the school nurse. Our health offices will also continue to support students with strategies like rest, hydration, heating packs, and education about healthy habits. 

25-26 school year update

Starting in the 2025–26 school year, District 196 health offices will no longer provide stock over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antacids, or Benadryl. This change follows updated state guidelines.

What this means for you:

  • For students with chronic health conditions who may need to take over-the-counter medication at school throughout the year, you’ll need to provide an unopened, original bottle of the medication to the school nurse, along with signed authorization from the health care provider and parent/guardian
  • In grades 7–12, students may self-carry nonprescription pain relievers (ex: ibuprofen, acetaminophen) with annual permission (can be completed in the Campus Parent Portal). 
  • You may talk to your school nurse about coming to school to administer medication to your child if needed.
  • If your child meets illness criteria, we will call you to pick them up.

Emergency medications such as epinephrine and naloxone will remain available as authorized by statute. Our health offices will continue to support students with strategies like rest, hydration, heating packs, and education about healthy habits.

See the FAQ below for more information.

FORMS/resources
Emergency medication
  • Stock epinephrine and naloxone are available in all schools for emergency use as required and authorized by Minnesota state statute.
  • Students may be able to self-carry life-saving medications only (e.g. epinephrine, inhalers, glucagon) with parent/guardian consent in the Campus Parent Portal. 
    • Generally, elementary students are not ready to self-carry medications, however may be able to with approval by the school nurse.
Prescription medications: 

Health services staff can administer medication listed and described in the standard physician’s desk reference (PDR).

  • A completed Medication Authorization form signed by a student’s parent or guardian and medication in a prescription bottle or original container is required before a school nurse will give a student prescription or non-prescription medication. This form is linked above and is available from your child's school nurse.

  • If medication is to be given for more than two weeks, a written order from a healthcare provider must be provided to the school.
  • If prescription medication remains in the nurse’s office after the end of a school year or when the student is no longer attending the school, the nurse will contact the student’s guardian to pick up the medication. If is not picked up within one month, it will be destroyed.
Over-the-counter medications:

Our school health offices do not stock over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antacids, and Benadryl for students. 

  • Students with chronic health conditions (e.g. migraines) who may need over-the-counter medication throughout the school year can provide an unopened, original bottle of the medication to the school nurse, along with signed authorization from the health care provider and parent/guardian.
  • In grades 7–12, students may self-carry nonprescription pain relievers (ex: ibuprofen, acetaminophen) with annual permission (can be completed in the Campus Parent Portal). 
  • Guardians may talk to a school nurse about coming to school to administer medication if needed.
 

Discontinuation of Stock Medications FAQ