Page 112 - Team Member Handbook Aug 2020.docx

“controlled substances,” meaning that the medication is regulated by the federal
government due to potential for abuse. Controlled substances include narcotic pain
medicine, some behavior medications for ADHD, and some seizure medications. A
prescribing health professional may need proper accounting for these types of medications
to assure that requests for refills are because the medication was given to the patient and not
used/abused by adults. Some medications, (i.e., antibiotics), can have a harmful effect on
the environment if not disposed of properly.

Child care facilities must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

When a child care facility cannot return unused medication to the parent/guardian, the
facility needs to dispose of the medication. An example of when medication cannot be
returned is when a parent/guardian has removed the child from care and the facility cannot
reach the parent/guardian to return the medication. Herbal and folk medicines and home
remedies are not regulated and should not be given without a prescribing health
professional’s order and complete pharmaceutical labeling. If they are given at home, the
caregiver/teacher should be aware of their use and possible side effects.

Definitions
Illness: Any sickness and/or associated symptoms that affect the child’s normal
participation in the activities or program at the center.

Infectious Disease: A disease that can be spread, for example, by air, water or
interpersonal contact. An infectious disease is designated as a disease that would require
the infected person to be excluded from an education and activities.

Injury: Any harm or damage to a person

Medication (prescribed): Medicine, as defined by Merriam-Webster; a substance used in
treating disease; something that affects well-being
- Authorized by a health care professional
- Dispensed by a health care professional with a printed label that includes the
name of the child being prescribed the medication, the medication dosage,
route medication to be given, prescribing provider, and expiration date

Medication (non-prescribed): Over-the-counter, including vitamins and cultural herbs or
homeopathic medications that may have been recommended by an alternative health care
professional such as a naturopath.

Medication record: Contains details for each child to whom medication is to be
administered by the center. This includes the child’s name, signed consent form to
administer medication and a record of the medication administered, including time, dosage,
manner of administration, name and signature of person administering the medication and
of the person checking the medication, if required.