Section 10-212a-5 - Handling, storage and disposal of medications(a) All medications, except those approved for self-medication and epinephrine to be used for the purpose of emergency first aid to students who do not have a prior written authorization of a parent or guardian or a prior written order of a qualified medical professional for the administration of epinephrine, shall be delivered by the parent or other responsible adult to the school nurse or, in the absence of such nurse, other qualified personnel for schools trained in the administration of medication and assigned to the school.(b) The nurse shall examine on-site any new medication, medication order and parent authorization and, except for epinephrine to be used for the purpose of emergency first aid to students who do not have a prior written authorization of a parent or guardian or a prior written order of a qualified medical professional for the administration of epinephrine, develop an administration of medication plan for the student before any medication is administered by any school personnel.(c) The school nurse shall review all medication refills with the medication order and parent authorization prior to the administration of medication, except for epinephrine intended for emergency administration to students who do not have a written prior authorization or order.(d) All medications shall be properly stored as follows:(1) Except as otherwise determined by a student's emergency care plan, emergency medications shall be stored in an unlocked, clearly labeled and readily accessible cabinet or container in the health room during school hours under the general supervision of the school nurse, or in the absence of the school nurse, the principal or the principal's designee who has been trained in the administration of medication;(2) Emergency medications will be locked beyond the regular school day or program hours, except as otherwise determined by a student's emergency care plan;(3) All other non-controlled medications, except those approved for self medication, shall be kept in a designated locked container, cabinet or closet used exclusively for the storage of medication;(4) In the case of controlled substances, they shall be stored separately from other medications in a separate, secure, substantially constructed, locked metal or wood cabinet pursuant to Section 21a-262-8 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.(e) Access to all stored medications shall be limited to persons authorized to administer medications. Each school or before- and after-school program and school readiness program shall maintain a current list of those persons authorized to administer medications.(f) All medications, prescription and nonprescription, shall be delivered and stored in their original containers.(g) At least two sets of keys for the medication containers or cabinets shall be maintained for each school building or before- and after-school program and school readiness program. One set of keys shall be maintained under the direct control of the school nurse or nurses and an additional set shall be under the direct control of the principal and, if necessary, the program director or lead teacher who has been trained in the general principles of the administration of medication shall also have a set of keys.(h) Medications requiring refrigeration shall be stored as follows: (1) in a refrigerator at no less than 36°F and no more than 46°F;(2) the refrigerator shall be located in a health office that is maintained for health services purposes with limited access;(3) non-controlled medications may be stored directly on the shelf of the refrigerator with no further protection needed; and(4) controlled medications shall be stored in a locked box which is affixed to the refrigerator shelf.(i) All unused, discontinued or obsolete medications shall be removed from storage areas and either returned to the parent or guardian or, if the medication cannot be returned to the parent or guardian, the medication shall be destroyed in collaboration with the school nurse:(1) noncontrolled drugs shall be destroyed in the presence of at least one (1) witness;(2) controlled drugs shall be destroyed pursuant to Section 21a-262-3 of the Regulations of the Connecticut State Agencies;(3) accidental destruction or loss of controlled drugs must be verified in the presence of a second person, including confirmation of the presence or absence of residue and jointly documented on the student medication administration record and on a medication error form pursuant to Section 10-212a(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes. If no residue is present notification must be made to Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) pursuant to Section 21a-262-3 of the Regulations of the Connecticut State Agencies.(j) No more than a three-month supply of a medication for a student shall be stored at the school.(k) No medication for a student shall be stored at a school without a current written order from an authorized prescriber.(l) Repealed, March 31, 1992.Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-212a-5
Effective August 8, 1995; Amended October 7, 2010; Amended August 17, 2015