What are the requirements around administering medication to a child?
Care service staff should not give the first dose of a new medicine to a child. Parents should have already given at least one dose to ensure that the child does not have an adverse reaction to the medication. The date of first administration should be recorded along with consent to administer.
How many staff members should be responsible for dispensing medication to a child?
(1) Whenever children in care are present, there shall be at least one center employee present who has completed medication administration training approved by the office. (2) Medication may be administered to a child in care only by an employee who has completed approved medication training.
Which regulation covers the safe administration of medicines?
The Medicines Act 1968 provides the main legal framework for the prescribing, supply, storage and administration of medicines, classifying them into the following categories.
Who is accountable when administering medication?
7 Registered healthcare professionals who administer medicines, or when appropriate delegate10 the administration of medicines, are accountable for their actions, non-actions and omissions, and exercise professionalism and professional judgement at all times.
Are schools allowed to administer medicine?
School staff can administer non-prescription medication when they have written consent from the pupil’s parent/carer. It can be beneficial for schools to seek permission to be able to administer some non-prescription medications in the event of a child becoming unwell during the school day.
Can schools administer non-prescription medication?
It has now been amended to refer to ‘prescription medicines’. The Department for Education has confirmed to the BMA that an FP10 is not required and non-prescription medication can be administered where parents have given written consent.
What are three key legal principles when administering medications?
Right patient, at the. Right time, using the. Right dose, in the. Right formulation.
Can schools administer paracetamol?
Pupils can only be given one dose of paracetamol during the school day. If this does not work contact the parent or carer again. 2. The responsible member of staff must witness the pupil taking the paracetamol and make a record of it.
Who is responsible for ensuring medication is administered correctly?
The prescriber is responsible for any prescription they sign, including repeat prescriptions for medicines initiated by colleagues; therefore prescribers must make sure that any prescription that is signed is safe and appropriate.
What is a medicine policy in schools?
Medicines should only be given in school when it is necessary and essential to a child’s health or school attendance. Medicines should not be given on an ongoing basis, unless prescribed by a doctor.
What are the COSHH regulations for schools?
COSHH directives legally require employers to exercise control concerning exposure to hazardous substances and prevent ill health on their premises. This includes in schools and special steps must be taken to ensure that COSHH regulations are adhered to in education establishments.
What is the difference between the Medicines Act 1968 and COSHH?
COSHH covers the use and storage of hazardous substances. Some medicines fall into this category. Medicines Act 1968. This covers all aspects of the supply and administration of medicines. It allows any adult to administer a medicine to a third party as long as they have consent and administration is in accordance with the prescriber’s instruction.
What is the law on medication in schools?
The Disability Discrimination Act requires schools to make reasonable adjustments to cater for the needs of children with disabilities. This includes children on long-term and even short-term medication. All schools need to have a policy in place to cover the administration of medication to children.
What substances are covered by COSHH regulations?
Substances included in COSHH regulations include: 1 Dust 2 Vapours 3 Chemicals 4 Products that contain chemicals. 5 Fumes 6 Nanotechnology 7 Mists 8 Gases and asphyxiating gases 9 Germs that cause diseases 10 Biological agents