‼️ Families: There is a new, state-mandated change regarding the administration of medications* to students during the school day at Decatur ISD.
What has changed?
All over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications will now require signatures on the Medication Consent Form from both 1) a medical provider or physician and 2) a parent or guardian.
All prescription medications must be in a prescription bottle with the current prescription date and have the student’s name, dosage, and frequency.
All other medicines must be in the original container with the physician’s order.
Examples of medications include painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, oral or topical allergy medication, cough suppressants, orajel, and antibiotic ointment, gel, or cream. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.
DISD nurses will be unable to give to students any medications that do not meet the new requirements.
How and when can families drop off medications?
A signed copy of the Medication Consent Form and the student's medications should be dropped off in person to the student's school nurse by a parent or guardian.
Why is the district now requiring two signatures?
This change is designed to ensure the safety of all students.
Nurses must follow the Nursing Practice Act (NPA) in all settings (including schools). NPA 301.002(2)(C) states that nurses may only administer treatments (including medication) with a written order from a physician or other person with prescribing authority in Texas (MD, DO, APRN, PA, podiatrist, dentist).
According to Texas Administrative Code (TAC, 224.11(c)), if there are competing laws, nurses must follow the most restrictive law that governs their practice, which is the NPA in this case.
Thank you for your understanding as DISD works to follow all state-mandated rules and to ensure the well being and safety of all students.