Below is a release on a revised policy appearing in the October issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

For Release: Monday, September 28, 2009, 12:01 am (ET)

Many children who take medications need them during the school day. In a revised policy statement, “Guidance for the Administration of Medication in School,” the AAP issues recommendations for school districts, pediatricians and other child health professionals. The AAP recommends that pediatricians prescribe medications for administration at school only when necessary. Pediatricians should learn about local school nursing services and medication policies, and whether the school nurse is at the school all day, every day, or if medication administration is delegated to an unlicensed assistant. The AAP strongly endorses the presence of a full-time, licensed registered nurse in schools. Parents can help promote safe medication administration at their child’s school by informing their pediatrician about the school health services provided at the school.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.