Over-the-Counter Medications

Due to new Texas Board of Nursing (BON) guidance, as of August 2024, Granbury ISD nursing staff will require parent/guardian AND doctor authorization before dispensing over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. BON is committed to protecting the health and safety of residents in Texas by ensuring that all licensed nurses practice safely and competently. This mission is fulfilled through the regulation of nursing practices and the approval of nursing education programs, as defined by the Nursing Practice Act (NPA).

 

According to the Nursing Practice Act, nurses cannot diagnose medical conditions or prescribe treatments. This means that school nurses can no longer give students over-the-counter medications unless they have an official physician’s order. If your child needs over-the-counter medication during school hours, please provide orders from a healthcare provider.

 

Only medications that are necessary for a student’s medical care will be administered at school.  Most medicines that are needed, even up to three times a day, can be given at home and should not be sent to school.  There are occasions where medications are required for students and cannot be adequately given at home.  In these cases, with a written request from a parent/guardian AND physician authorization, school personnel can give the medication.

 

*Please note: ALL medications require a physician’s authorization annually. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications.

 

Contact your child’s campus nurse with any questions by visiting granburyisd.org/nurse.