Med Policy Change... Need Feedback Please!

[3kidzmama]

After reading the thread on the over medicated baby, I have reconsidered my policy on meds and have decided to no longer give meds at all. I don't want the liability. This is the notice I plan to give out:

Notice of Policy Change:

Effective immediately, no medications of any kind will be given at *** daycare. This includes all prescription and over the counter medications.
This change is due to increased risks involved in giving medications and increased liability which we are unable to accept. Please respect this policy and do not ask for an exception.*
Please note: the ONLY exception to this policy will be for children who require the use of an inhaler for breathing issues.*

Should I add anything? Remove anything?

[Crystal]

I think it is reasonable to allow prescription meds. Do you really want to rule out caring for any medical or special need condition?

I do agree with refusing to dispense any over-the-counter meds without a written prescription.

[3kidzmama]

I think it is reasonable to allow prescription meds. Do you really want to rule out caring for any medical or special need condition?

I do agree with refusing to dispense any over-the-counter meds without a written prescription.

Hmmm, can you give an example where providers dispensing prescription would be necessary (other than the inhaler, which I stated would be allowed)?
I'm thinking if a child is ill they shouldn't be here anyway. The only thing I can come up with is maybe ADHD meds that require a midday dose.
What about maybe adding a clause that the parent is welcome to come and give the meds themselves? I just don't want the liability. If I don't give it, then I'm not liable, right? Maybe have them sign when they give the meds and a date? What do you think?

[daycare]

I would state in you PHB that if a child is on medication, the parent MUST personally hand you the meds, along with doctors diagnosis, treatment plan and all parents must sign permission to administer form each and every time their child gets put on a new medication. Also NO over the counter medications will be given at daycare without a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan plus all of the above.

Works for me always

[Jenniferdawn]

A child would need to be on antibiotics for something long past the point they are contagious. That might be another time you would need to consider giving meds...

[daycare]

I have an illness which has always required me to take medication 3x a day. So therefore if I were a child I could not attend your daycare.

However, I understand your desire. It is a big liability.
It's your business and your choice how you want to run it.

[countrymom]

so are you not going to allow children to come if they are on medication, because children can be on meds anywhere from 3 days to 10 days (which is now the norm) I think I would allow prescribed medication only.

[nannyde]

My med policy states that we rarely ever give medication.

I do keep tylenol or advil on hand in case a child spikes a high fever here. I want to be able to give them a fever reducer to prevent a febrile seizure. I've had to do that a couple of times in the last decade.

I don't give antibiotics. I would only give that if it was ordered four times a day or more and that never happens.

I don't do respiratory therapy treatments.

I do give benadryl cream or spray for my two little girls with mosquito bite allergies with a dr's order. Their allergies are very severe.

I never administer teething medication or cold medication.

I don't have medical or behavioral special needs children in my day care and most likely won't for the rest of my career.

[Meyou]

I give antibiotics if they are 3 times a day or more. I'll give one dose. I will also give Benadryl liquid and apply cream for the same reasons as Nannyde. I have one DCG with an allergy and a doctors note. She is just a mess if a bug bite goes too long without some cream.

Other than that I have a waiver to administer tylenol or advil with a same day permission email from the parents.

I think in general if they need meds they should be home.

I would be open to give any doctor's prescription that can't be worked around DC hours though.

[3kidzmama]

Ok so... Would any of you mind posting or pm'ing me how your policy actually reads? I'm looking for the least liability, but at the same time I don't want to be unreasonable. Also, I do not accept special needs children (I'm a former Special Ed teacher - been there, done that, no desire to do it again). But I do understand that there are going to be those that require meds past the time of contagious period.

[countrymom]

make sure you state that you have benedryl on hand, this summer, I had a kid who wrapped himself in a blanket that the kids where playing with outside and he broke out in hives, totally weird, but a shot of benedryl fixed it.

[Unregistered]

I would not limit to just asthma medication. Some children are on a maintenance medication such as those with diabetes. What about Epi pens do plan on excluding those as well? I understand the need to limit what meds you give but as a parent and provider I would be a little leery of such a narrow policy.

[GotKids]

I would state in you PHB that if a child is on medication, the parent MUST personally hand you the meds, along with doctors diagnosis, treatment plan and all parents must sign permission to administer form each and every time their child gets put on a new medication. Also NO over the counter medications will be given at daycare without a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan plus all of the above.

Works for me always

This is what is required for our public school as well. If we want our child to have tylonol at school I have to send a drs note with the bottle of medication "I" hand to the nurse. No note means I have to go to the school to administer myself.

[wdmmom]

I will apply Baby Anbesol for teething children with a note and I will administer Tylenol at the written request of the parent if they supply it and there must be a reason for it.


For example: I will not give Tylenol to a 3 year old just because they are going in for a flu shot.

[Blackcat31]

My handbook reads:

"NO medication will be given to any child while on the child care premisis. This includes over the counter medications such as Tylenol and Advil and their generic forms. I will also NOT give prescription medication to any child while in care. If your child needs prescription meds, please make arrangements for their dosage requirements to not interfere with child care attendance."

This has been my policy for several years. I have yet to have a parent try to negotiate or ask for exceptions. I have had several children needing prescription meds for various reasons such as an ear infection or something similar and they have all either gotten an antibiotic that is dispensed twice daily or only once. I know there are a few meds that need to be given three or four times daily but the parents have either picked up before their child needed the next dose or used alternate care arrangements with family members.

I also have a section in my policy stating that parents must inform me when their child is on medication (OTC and prescription) and failure to notify me is grounds for immediate termination.

I have refused to take on the liability connected with children and medications and make absolutely no exceptions. It has worked fine for several years so I don't find this policy to be impossible and is very do-able. I also require all imms to be given on a Friday or prior to the child having 2 days off from care.