Crane complies with state medication rules

The Crane Elementary School District is expected to approve a policy revision on administering medication to students to comply with state law, according to a board official.

Brenna Paulin, board member, said a second reading of Policy JLCD will be adopted in the consent agenda unless anyone questions or objects to new requirements.

The Crane board meeting takes place today at 5:30 p.m. at the district offices, 4250 W. 16th St.

The new policy allows students to be given or self-administer medication during the school day if certain requirements are met.

First, there must be a written order from a physician stating the name of the medicine, the dosage and time it is to be given. Also, written permission from parents must be given to allow the school or student to administer medicine. And, medicine must arrive at the school office in a prescription container or, if its an over-the-counter remedy, it must be in the original container.

For students with breathing disorders, inhalers may be carried for self-use as long as the student's name is on the prescription label or if written documentation is provided from parents authorizing such use.

Students with diabetes who have a management plan signed by a licensed professional may use appropriate medication and monitoring equipment. Crane employees may volunteer to be a student's care assistant subject to approval by the student's parents in an emergency situation, according to Crane's published action item agenda.

During a work session scheduled for 5:45 p.m. board member Jim Colby plans to raise the issue of retiree compensation. Colby said in this economy, he objects to authorizing a 9.5 percent increase to retirees and it is slated to rise to 9.8 percent the following year.

Since this will not be an action item, the board is only allowed to discuss the issue and cannot vote to take any action, Paulin noted.

---

William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.