Schools Regulate Administration of Medication Each Virginia Beach school has a clinic staffed by a registered nurse who coordinates and oversees the health care, screening, immunizations and assessments required for students during the school day and school year. The staff in the school clinic is also responsible for administering medication to students. Parents and guardians of all students should be aware of the school division's policy on administering medication to students. The policy covers both over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, and prescription medications. Families are asked to administer medications, particularly short-term medicines, at home if possible. The following policy guidelines apply: For students to take medication during school hours, the prescribing physician or dentist must sign a statement giving the name of the medication, time to administer, duration of treatment, and dosage. A form is available in the school office for parents' convenience. A parent's signature is also required on the form. Any prescribed medication must be provided to the clinic in a labeled prescription container. Over-the-counter medications must be in sealed containers accompanied with written instructions from the physician or dentist. Students are not to transport medication to school themselves. All medication must be taken to the clinic by parents, and it will be administered there. For more information and for particular concerns, parents may contact the nurse in their child's school. ###