New mandate requires doctor’s note to give over-the-counter meds in school

BULLARD, Texas ( KETK ) — As back to school season continues, some school districts have taken to Facebook to talk about a new clarification from the state that school nurses are required to have a physician’s order to give out over-the-counter medication.

KETK spoke with East Texas school districts about what this means for nurses and parents.

“Over-the-counter medication administration has been a hot topic in recent weeks all over Texas,” Jessica Pace, Bullard ISD lead nurse, said.

The Texas Board of Nursing’s guidance to nurses states that OTC medication on campus cannot be given without proper authorization.

“Parents just need to be aware that they are going to have to provide a physician’s order to be able to have their child take any medication at school,” Pace said.

Once doctors sign off on a prescription or an OTC medication, it’s good for the school year unless the dose changes.

“Felt like for the safety of our students that’s the best practice and for the safety of our staff members as well that are distributing that medication,” Tiffani Brantner, Central ISD elementary nurse, said.

For some East Texas school districts, this is something they have done in the past but for others, it is a new protocol.

“The only thing that has changed is that we are now requiring an order for all medication whether it be prescription or over the counter,” Pace said.

This new mandate does include creams and ointments as well.

“Understand that we’re not trying to make their lives harder, we’re doing this for the safety of their child as well as a liability standpoint for safety — to protect those of us who are administering those medications,” Brantner said.

According to Texas School Nurses Organization (TSNO), the Texas Board of Nursing confirmed it will release a public resource in the coming weeks that more thoroughly explains things.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.