Palm Beach County Schools Enforce New Annual Medication Rules for Student Health

West Palm Beach parents must complete new authorization forms and follow strict protocols for student medications at school this academic year. The Palm Beach County School District requires annual authorization for all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, to ensure student well-being and safety.

This annual process mandates a new Authorization for Medication / Treatment Form for each school year and for any changes to a student's medication regimen. This form, which parents can obtain from their physician's office, the school's front office, health room, or the School District Web Site, requires signatures from both the prescribing physician and the parent or guardian.

For prescribed medications, the district requires the original container with a non-expired pharmacy label. This label must clearly display the student's name, physician's name, medication name, dosage, administration information, prescription number (if applicable), prescription date, and medication expiration date. Parents should ask their pharmacy to label the expiration date as "See Manufacturer's Medication Expiration Date" when filling prescriptions.

Over-the-counter medications also require specific handling. They must arrive in their original, unopened, non-expired containers and have the student's name clearly labeled on them.

A custodial parent or guardian must deliver all medications directly to the school. Students cannot transport medications themselves. Upon delivery, a medication count and co-signature process will take place for both delivery and receipt of the medication.

Additionally, schools must have a current copy of the Parent Guardian Consent for School Health Services (PBSD2667) on file. This form grants consent for illness and injury services. A current photo of the child is also necessary for identification purposes; this photo attaches to the medication record and must be submitted alongside the physician's authorization and the medication itself.

All these requirements—including proper forms, packaging, and the student's photo—must be met before school staff can administer any medication to a student on school grounds.