Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

1.  Each of our district schools has a licensed registered professional nurse available throughout the school day.  The nurses are available to administer first aid and attend to ill children as outlined by the Nurse Practice Act in New York State.  As such they may assess a child and determine their needs; however they may not diagnosis or dispense medication without a written order from a physician. 

2.  Medication may not be administered in the school setting without written permission from a parent/guardian and a written order from a licensed physician or any health professional licensed to prescribe.  NO medication should be kept in a classroom nor should any student be carrying medication on their person.  This includes all prescription medication and over-the-counter medications, including topical creams and ointments and eye drops.  Medication must be brought to school by an adult unless a prior agreement is made with the school nurse.  All prescription medications need to be in a pharmacy labeled vial (ask your pharmacist for two labeled vials!) or in the case of over-the-medications, in an unopened bottle.  Medication orders need to be renewed for each school year and unused medication needs to be picked up by an adult at the end of each school year or it will be discarded.  Asthma inhalers and epi-pens only may be carried by self-directed students with advanced written permission by a physician, a parent, and the nurse.   

3.  Any student with an illness or injury which precludes them from participating in physical education and/or recess is required to present a written excuse from their physician to include the diagnosis, the duration of the exclusion, and the physician’s signature and stamp.  Any student excluded from physical education must also be excluded from recess and all recreational activities requiring physical activitiy, to include intramurals, interscholastic sports, drama and class activities.

4.  If your child is ill, please keep them home from school.  Students who are not feeling well are not able to learn.  Students should remain home until they are fever free for 24 hours without any fever reducing medication.  They should also remain home for 24 hours without vomiting or after beginning treatment for strep throat and pink eye.