Medication administration in schools: the Massachusetts experience.

Abstract

In 1991, the School Health Unit of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health defined medication administration as a priority policy development area for school health. The decision was based on: a) the increased numbers of children requiring medications during the school day; b) a lack of consistent standards within Massachusetts schools; c) the need to update an outdated statute concerning psychotropic medications; and d) the more than 50 weekly telephone calls from school health personnel regarding this subject. This article describes the Massachusetts experience of developing medication administration regulations for public and private schools and implementing the regulations throughout the commonwealth. The Massachusetts experience may provide guidance to other states, cities, and towns as they address this important child health issue.