Medications normally are best administered at home, but there are times when medication must be administered at school.

Education code 49423 authorizes that any pupil who is required to take, during the regular school day, medication prescribed for him/her by a licensed California physician, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated personnel if the school district receives (1) a written statement from such physician detailing the method, amount, and time schedules by which such medication is to be taken and (2) a written statement from the parent/guardian of the pupil indicating the desire that the school district assist the pupil in the matter set forth in the physician’s statement. (Education Code 49414.7, 49423; 5 CCR 600)

• If your physician would like your child to carry either an asthma inhaler or emergency medication (auto-injectable epinephrine, i.e. EpiPen), Part III of the medication administration form must be completed by the doctor, parent and child. 
• The parent or adult representative designated by the parent must bring all prescribed medications to school in its prescription-labeled container. 
• Over-the-counter medications must be brought in an unopened container. 
• All medications will be maintained in the Health Office with the exception of medications designated in Part III, as prescribed by the physician. 
• Parent/guardian may pick up medication at the close of the school year. Medication remaining after the last day of school will be properly discarded.

Other California Physician order documents are acceptable, however the orders must include all of the information contained on the TVUSD medication form and parent/guardian will need to sign the TVUSD form and attach it before turning it into the site health office. 

Click here to access the Medication Authorization Form - English

Click here to access the Medication Authorization Form - Spanish

Temecula Valley Unified School District supports the self-management of asthma by students who are deemed capable and competent. The increased incidence of asthma in school age children and the trend among health care practitioners to encourage self-management supports self-administration. Generally, students who are in middle and high school are able to appropriately administer and manage their asthma and therefore, carry their inhaler. Students in younger grades who wish to carry their inhaler will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Because asthma can have a rapid onset that requires immediate treatment of an inhaler, allowing students who are capable and responsible to carry their inhaler can prevent more serious complications. Students who have better managed asthma will have better attendance and will be ready to learn.

The following criteria for self-administration of asthma inhalers must be in place:

1. Written direction from the student's physician stating the student is able to safely administer and store the inhaler medication(s), and specifying the number of inhalations and frequency of administration permitted.
2. Written permission from the parent/guardian stating the student is able to safely administer and store the inhaler medication(s) and stating that the parent/guardian will take responsibility for their student's appropriate use of their inhaler and acceptance of responsibility to notify the school of any change in the physician's orders.

Inappropriate use of the inhaler while under self-management may result in withdrawal of the privilege and possible disciplinary action.