Medication Policies - Info and Suggested Language

In this article, we explain regulations for administering medications as a family child care provider. We have also included suggested language to use in your Parent Handbook to explain your medication policy to parents.

Currently, we have detailed information for California and New York. If you live outside these states, please contact us at [e-mail] for guidance.

California

Overview
As a family child care provider in California, you can choose whether or not you will administer over-the-counter and/or prescription medications.

Sunscreen and other topical ointments are generally not considered medication when used for preventative purposes. If any topical ointments are being used for treatment, they are considered a medication and all under the guidelines below. Wonderschool asks all parents to give permission to apply sunscreen and other topical ointments during the family’s enrollment process; you can check whether permission has been given on the child’s enrollment detail page. For nature-based programs, Wonderschool also asks for permission to apply bug spray.

If you choose to administer medication (over-the-counter or prescription), we recommend that the parent fill out a LIC 9221 (http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC9221.pdf) form. Please make sure to read the form instructions carefully.

If you choose to administer a life-saving medication such as an epinephrine, inhalers, glucagon, etc. you must fill out an Incidental Medical Services Plan (IMSP) and keep it on file for review by your licensing analyst during inspections. You can download a template IMSP at the bottom of this article. Please review it carefully and customize it for your program.

If you do not wish to administer any medication, you must make this policy clear in your Parent Handbook (see our template below).

If you would like to OPT IN to administering medication, consider using this language in your Parent Handbook:

Upon enrolling your child in this program, you will choose to either permit or deny application of topical ointments such as sunscreen. Please note that we will only use topical ointments for preventative purposes; if they are used as treatment for a medical issue, you must follow the instructions for over-the-counter and prescriptions medications below.

If your would like to allow this program to administer over-the-counter or prescription medications, please fill out a LIC 9221 (http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC9221.pdf) form. Please read all instructions carefully. You can also request a copy of our Incidental Medical Services Plan (IMSP) if your child may require life-saving medications such as epinephrine, inhalers, glucagon, etc.

We freely use bandages (i.e. Bandaids) and may use antibacterial soap.

If you would like to OPT OUT of administering medication, consider using this language in your Parent Handbook:

Upon enrolling your child in this program, you will choose to either permit or deny application of topical ointments such as sunscreen. Please note that we will only use topical ointments for preventative purposes; we will not administer them as treatment for a medical issue.

Our program does NOT administer over-the-counter or prescription medications at this time.

We freely use bandages (i.e. Bandaids) and may use antibacterial soap.

New York

Overview
As a family child care provider in New York State, you are allowed to apply topical ointments such as sunscreen with the parent’s permission. Wonderschool asks parents to give permission to apply sunscreen during the family’s enrollment process; you can check whether permission has been given on the child’s enrollment detail page. We have also included a topical ointment release form in our standard enrollment documents that the parent downloads during the enrollment process. You can ask the family to fill this out and return it to you. For nature-based programs, Wonderschool also asks for permission to apply bug spray.

To administer over-the-counter medications, you will need the parent’s permission. The parent must supply the medication in its original childproof container, as well as written instructions with the name of medication, dosage amount, dosage schedule, and their signature.

To administer prescription medications, you will need the parent’s permission AND you will need to have completed the Office of Children and Family Services’ Medication Administration Training (MAT) Course. You will also need to have a health care plan approved by a health consultant and your local licensor or registrar.

If you are unsure of which path to go on, you can learn more by contacting your local child care resource and referral agency. Go here to see the right agency for you: https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/referralagencies.asp

If you have NOT completed the MAT training course, consider using this language in your Parent Handbook:

Upon enrolling your child in this program, you will choose to either permit or deny application of topical ointments such as sunscreen. If your would like to allow this program to administer over-the-counter medications, please supply us with the medication in its original childproof container, as well as written instructions with the name of medication, dosage amount, dosage schedule, and your signature.

Our program does NOT administer prescription medications at this time.

We freely use bandages (i.e. Bandaids) and may use antibacterial soap.

If you have completed the MAT training course and have had a health care plan approved by a health consultant or your local licensor, consider using this language in your Parent Handbook:

I have completed the necessary Medication Administration Training (MAT) accredited by the State of New York to administer prescription medication. If you require me to administer prescription medication, please ask me for a copy of my health plan. All prescription medication must be in an original childproof pharmacy container labeled with the child’s name, name of drug, strength, dosage, physician or dentist name, date of original prescription, expiration date and legible instructions for administration and storage.

Upon enrolling your child in this program, you will choose to either permit or deny application of topical ointments such as sunscreen. If your would like to allow this program to administer over-the-counter medications, please supply us with the medication in its original childproof container, as well as written instructions with the name of medication, dosage amount, dosage schedule, and your signature.

We freely use bandages (i.e. Bandaids) and may use antibacterial soap.