Texas schools may require a prescription for over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl, Tylenol and mouthwash.

HOUSTON – A school nursing organization that sends recommendations to Texas schools is now proposing a prescription requirement for over-the-counter medications.

The Texas School Nursing Organization (TSNO) introduced this requirement in early August.

KPRC 2′s Rilwan Balogun contacted the organization on Wednesday, August 14, but it was directed to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).

BON will review the proposal next week, according to TSNO.

Some of the things TSNO recommends for prescriptions include: Benadryl, Tylenol, saline, petroleum jelly, sting-kill swabs, rash cream, glucose gel (administered for insulin), and more.

“The request of the parent itself is not enough for the nurses to give medicine. This is true for all nurses at all levels,” according to the TSNO website. “The Texas School Nurse Association does not have the authority to mandate that school districts or school nurses improve their practices. TSNO supports school nurses who use their professional judgment to practice safely in their settings. ”

After KPRC 2 reached out to the organization, the team released a PDF resource package detailing the proposal. However, Balogun had already downloaded the 32-page packet.

The Texas Board of Nursing issued the following statement regarding this recommendation:

The mission of the Texas Board of Nursing (BON or Board) is to protect and promote the welfare of the people of Texas by ensuring that every licensed nurse in the state has the ability to exercise safely. The board accomplishes its mission by regulating the practice of nursing and accrediting nursing education programs. This mission, derived from the Nursing Practice Act (NPA), promotes the interests of any individual, nursing profession, or any specific group.

The professional practice area of ​​nursing is derived from the NPA and the rules and regulations of the Board having legal authority in Texas. Some state laws may limit the scope of nursing practice in certain circumstances, but other state laws may not expand the scope of nursing practice to include aspects of care that exceed the limits set by the NPA and statutes. of the Board.

It is the position of the Board that every licensed nurse supports their duty to maintain client safety by practicing in accordance with NPA regulations and the Board’s Rules as they apply to each and license. [Position Statement 15.14.] The NPA defines the defined limit of the nursing process, since the nursing process “does not include the actions of medical diagnosis or the prescription of therapeutic or corrective measures” [NPA 301.002(2)&(5)].

Actions performed by nurses must be within the scope of nursing practice and appropriate instructions must be available for actions that exceed nursing practice. Nurses administer medications or treatments as prescribed by a doctor, podiatrist, or dentist [NPA 301.002(2)(C).] The board has posts that deal with prescriptions from physicians who work under the authority of a physician: advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists.

Nurses will not accept medication administration orders from patients, family members, unlicensed staff, or other unidentified licensed health professionals. Without a proper order, the request of the patient or their family does not give permission for the nurse to administer the medication. This applies to Texas nurses in all practice settings.

Texas school districts are responding

Aldine ISD – Aldine ISD prioritizes the health and safety of our students and is committed to providing our students with the appropriate care they need during school hours. The district is aware of the Texas School Nursing Association’s updated guidelines for over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

During this time, Aldine ISD will continue to follow the district’s existing policies and procedures regarding the administration of OTC medications limited to first aid for students and staff. District Nurses provide care in accordance with standards set forth by the National Association of School Nurses, the Texas School Nurse Association, and the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). BON is expected to release a public resource that will provide a comprehensive explanation of the plan and a formal decision on the administration of OTC medicines.

Aldine ISD remains committed to the well-being of our students and will continue to closely monitor guidelines to make decisions in the best interest of our students.

Alief ISD – “With the new communication from TSNO and the Texas Board of Nursing, we had to review our county’s policies and procedures. In the past, counties were only able to dispense certain OTC medications based on a permit. Going forward, districts will require physician consent and parent/guardian consent to dispense OTC medications.

Although this updated guideline does not affect many of the medications we provide to students, it does affect other things such as how to administer anti-inflammatories after injuries and fever reducers.

As the guidelines change, Alief ISD will continue to review the policy and ensure safe medication administration practices throughout the district. ”

Texas City ISD – In fact, our nurses do not dispense medication (prescription or over the counter) without proper written instructions from a physician. The health book has a form they need to fill out and return. Once we have that, then we can give medicine. Nurses have this information in their student medical files. They would talk about it before giving.

Cy-Fair ISD – As a result of a recent opinion from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications administered by registered nurses in public school clinics now require parental consent and a prescription from the provider. health care authority.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (CFISD) has always required a valid health care provider’s order for prescription drugs. However, due to the BON’s opinion, the district must also require parents and legal guardians to provide a valid health care provider’s order to administer OTC medications.

To eliminate the need for parents or guardians to prescribe five commonly used OTC medications, CFISD has obtained a standing physician’s prescription that will meet the BON requirement. School nurses may dispense the following OTC medications if parents provide the medication in the original, unopened container and sign their consent on the medication consent form:

Acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol)

· Ibuprofen (eg, Advil, Motrin)

· Naproxen (eg, Aleve)

Diphenhydramine (eg, Benadryl)

Calcium carbonate (antacids)

All other requests from parents or guardians for the administration of OTC medications must include a complete prescription from the health care provider.

We understand that this is a change from our previous practices, but CFISD remains committed to supporting the health and learning needs of our students while complying with the updated requirements outlined by the BON. Please contact the school nurse at your student’s school if you have any questions