Medications given in schools must have a medication authorization form signed by a licensed healthcare provider. For certain diagnoses—such as asthma, adrenal insufficiency, allergy/anaphylaxis, diabetes, and seizures—the medication authorization forms are included within the paperwork specific to the diagnosis.

For all other medications, a medication authorization form, or a similar LEA-approved form, must be completed and signed before administration. This authorization must be updated annually or whenever there is a change in the healthcare provider’s order for the student’s medication.

The form should include:

• Parent authorization: A signature from the parent requesting the medication be given during regular school hours.
• Healthcare provider authorization: A signature from the licensed healthcare provider prescribing the medication, including detailed documentation of the method, dosage, and schedule for administration.

Medical necessity statement: A statement from the licensed healthcare provider indicating that giving the medication during school hours is medically necessary while the student is under the school’s supervision.

For certain diagnoses—such as asthma, adrenal insufficiency, allergy/anaphylaxis, diabetes, and seizures—the medication authorization forms are included within the paperwork specific to the diagnosis.

• Medication authorization 2023 (English)
• Medication log 2022
• Sample error form 2022

Guidelines for medication administration in schools 2024

The Utah Poison Control number (800) 222-1222 and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Medication administration guidelines

• Medications must be stored in a secure, locked area (exceptions apply for emergency medications such as inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors, and glucagon).
• Schools must maintain detailed records of medication administration, including:
  • Date, time, dosage, and route of administration.
  • Name/initials of the person administering the medication.
• Medications must be transported to and from school by a responsible adult.
• Parents/guardians must take back the unused medications or the medication must be disposed of appropriately by school staff with proper documentation.

6 Rights of medication administration

To ensure student safety, school staff must always verify:

1. Right student
2. Right medication
3. Right dosage
4. Right time
5. Right route
6. Right documentation

State laws:

• Administration of medication—UCA 53G-9
•  Nurse practice act rule—R156-31b (701b Delegation of tasks in a school setting) 

Medication specific laws

• Stock epinephrine and albuterol—UCA 26B-4-409
• Glucagon—UCA 53G-9-504
• Seizure rescue medication—UCA 53G-9-505
• Opiate overdose response act—UCA 26B-4 (509 - 514)

Stock epinephrine and albuterol standing orders are close to approval. Schools without a medical provider for these orders can contact Sami Bushnell at [email protected] for help

What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that quickly reverses opioid overdoses. It is safe, easy to use, and available in nasal spray or injectable forms.

Utah resources

• Utah naloxone website: Access training, resources, and the standing order.
• Naloxone training program: Learn to recognize and respond to overdoses effectively.
• Naloxone standing order: Utah pharmacists can dispense naloxone without a prescription. Contact your pharmacy before you go to confirm availability.
• Free naloxone: Find locations and organizations that offer free naloxone and resources.

Why schools should have naloxone

1. Emergency preparedness: Protect against opioid overdoses.
2. Safe and effective: A simple, proven emergency response.
3. Legal protections: Utah’s Opiate overdose response act shields individuals administering naloxone in good faith.

Steps for schools

1. Use the standing order in Utah to get naloxone.
2. Use the free state program to train staff.
3. Store naloxone securely but accessibly.
4. Include naloxone in emergency response plans.

• Autorización de medicamento 2023 - Medication authorization