36. Medication

Question 1

Giving Medication to Children

Answer 1

~ child care programs are not required to give medication to children in their care; however, if they decide to give medicine, then they must follow specific requirements
~ the child care program must obtain written permission from the parent or guardian to give medication, prescription or non-prescription, to a child

Question 2

The authorization must include the:

Answer 2

• Name of the child
• Name of the medication
• Date, time, and dosage to be given
• Signature of parent or guardian

Question 3

Non-Prescription Medicines

Answer 3

~ medicines that are used on an “as needed” basis require the parent or guardian to document the symptoms that require the medication to be given
~ any known allergies to medication or special restrictions must be documented and maintained in the child’s file
~ in the event of an emergency, non-prescription medication that is not brought by the parent or guardian may only be given if written permission is obtained
~ any medication given under these conditions must be documented in the child’s file and the parent or guardian must be notified on the day of the occurrence
~ no medicine authorized for one child can be given to another

Question 4

Medication Storage

Answer 4

~ all medication must be in the original containers and have child-resistant caps, if applicable
~ all medication must be stored in a locked area or must be out of reach of children
~ if medicine is stored in the food preparation area, it must be stored in a manner to prevent contamination of food, contact surfaces, or medication
~ prescription medicine must be labeled with the name and contact information of the physician or pharmacy, child’s name, name of the medication, and directions
~ all medicine must be dispensed according to the written directions and maintained at the appropriate temperature
~ medication that is expired or no longer being dispensed must be returned to the families or discarded

Question 5

Child care personnel must be trained prior to administering medicine. The program must maintain a record of each child receiving any medication for 12 months for child care programs; the record must include the:

Answer 5

• Full name of the child
• Name of the medication
• Date and time it was given
• Amount and dosage given
• Name and signature of the person who administered the medication

Question 6

Creams

Answer 6

Parents or guardians must give written permission for diaper cream, insect repellant, or sunscreen to be used. The manufacturer’s instructions must be followed for application. Infants younger than six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight.