Health Services Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I keep my child home from school due to illness?

Please review the  Guidance Related to Viruses and Infections document.

2. What if my child has a health condition?

In order to provide the best care possible, it is important to inform the school of your child’s health conditions. Depending on the health condition, FCS may request completion of a healthcare plan by your child’s healthcare provider. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to provide a health care plan and any required medications to the school nurse. You can find a list of FCS Health Forms HERE. Keeping the school informed and up-to-date helps ensure the safety and well-being of your child while at school.

3. Does FCS provide medications to students?

No, FCS does not provide medications to students. Medications must be brought to the school clinic by a parent/guardian with a completed Request for Administration of Medication form. If necessary, an additional healthcare plan may also be required.  

4. What if my child requires a medication daily during the school day?

Medications should be administered at home whenever possible. However, if the medication is required to be administered during school hours, the parent or guardian would need to bring the medication to the school clinic along with a completed Request for Administration of Medication form. This ensures that the school is aware of the medication and can administer it safely and according to the healthcare provider’s order.  Once everything is in order, the medication dose will be scheduled for your child during their school day as prescribed. This process helps maintain student’s health and safety while at school.

5. What if my child may need a medication on an as-needed basis during the school day?

A parent or guardian can bring the medication to the school clinic along with the completed Request for Administration of Medication form. This ensures that the school is aware of the medication and authorizes its administration as necessary.

6. Can my child just carry their own medication (either over the counter or prescription) and self-administer? (*Please see question #7 for an exception for emergency medications)

No, all medications must be brought to the school clinic by the parent or guardian, and a Request for Administration of Medication form must be completed. This policy is in place for the health and safety of all students. By centralizing medication administration through the school clinic and requiring parental involvement, the school can better monitor and manage the administration of medication to ensure they are administered safely and appropriately.

     Any student possessing a prescription or OTC medication not in accordance with these guidelines will be considered in violation of FCS Board Policy JCDAC; Student Drug Use and shall be

     subject to the discipline set forth in FCS Code of Conduct.

 7.  My child has a health condition that requires an emergency medication. Are they allowed to carry their emergency medication and/or self-administer if needed?

Yes, if your child has a health condition that requires an emergency medication, they are allowed to carry and/or self-administer with appropriate documentation.  The documentation required includes the appropriate healthcare plan, Request for Administration of Medication form and an Authorization for Student to Carry an Emergency Medication form. Please note an antihistamine is not classified as an emergency medication and should be stored in the clinic. It is important to note that self-carrying medication doesn’t imply a student’s ability to self-administer during an emergency situation.  Instead, with the required documentation in place, proper communication, and training of school employees, the student can be assisted with the administration of their emergency medication as needed. This ensures that students can receive timely and appropriate care in the event of an emergency while at school.

8. Are there any specific requirements regarding medications being brought to the school clinic for my child?

Yes, all medications must be from a U.S. pharmacy or distributed by a U.S. manufacturer/lab and be FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved. All medications must be brought to the school by the parent/guardian and be in its original container with a legible, intact label. All prescription medications must have a labeled container with student’s name and match the Request for Administration of Medication form. Expired medications will not be administered. Adhering to these requirements helps ensure the safety of medications administration while at school.

9. What if my child has a change in medication, medication dosage or instruction for use?

It is the parent/guardian responsibility to inform the school nurse promptly of any medication changes to ensure your child receives proper care at school.  If there is a change in medication, medication dosage or instruction for use, then an updated Request for Administration of Medication form will be required. Additionally, the prescription container label must match the updated medication form to avoid any discrepancies or errors in administration. Keeping the school nurse informed of any medication changes helps ensure the safety and well-being of your child at school.

10. What happens if my child has a medical emergency while at school?

FCS priority is to provide the immediate care needed for your student, which may include calling Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for assistance. The school will notify the parent/guardian as soon as possible. FCS is equipped with automated external defibrillators (AED’s) and limited emergency medications to respond promptly and effectively to medical emergencies that may arise, prioritizing the health and safety of all students, staff, and visitors.

11. My child is going on a field trip and requires medications (or needs to have emergency medications available), what should I do?

Communicate with the school nurse to ensure proper documentation is in place and arrange for medication to be brought to the school clinic (if medication is not already in place in the school clinic).  Medications must be received by the school nurse three school days prior to the scheduled field trip as this ensures proper communication and instruction for administration while on the field trip.  Students are only authorized to carry emergency medications with proper documentation. It is important to note that FCS cannot send its emergency supplies of epinephrine, albuterol sulfate or Narcan on field trips.

12. When should I expect to provide updated immunization records for my child?  

Once a student immunization form (GA 3231) is complete for enrollment, no further updates are required by Georgia state Law until the student enters seventh grade and again at age 16 years and entering the eleventh grade. Please see HERE for additional information.