FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2002
Gov. Scott McCallum has signed a bill into law expanding the definition of "practitioners" related to who can provide instructions for administering prescription drugs in schools. The new law now allows advanced practice nurse prescribers, physician assistants and optometrists to order the administration of prescription drugs in schools.
Freddi Adelson, Madison Schools health services supervisor, worked with Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison) and the Wisconsin Association of School Nurses, to move the bill through both houses and the Legislature and ensure the Governor's approval. The bill was signed last week at the Wisconsin Nurses Association convention at the Sheraton in Madison.
The law related to the administration of prescription drugs in schools allows certain school employees and volunteers, school bus drivers and others to be immune from civil liability for administering prescription drug to students if certain requirements are satisfied. For the immunity to apply, a student's parent or guardian must give written consent. Additionally, the law requires that the prescription drug be administered in compliance with the written instructions of a practitioner, defined as a physician, dentist or podiatrist.
Adelson said the change was needed because, "Many children in the community receive primary health care from advanced practice nurses or physician assistants, and school nurses were unable to follow their instructions related to dispensing medication. Madison has a small program of nurse practitioners and school nurses who are able to prescribe medication, but the previous law didn't allow their prescription instructions to be followed in school. This law change enables them to fully use their abilities to help students take their prescribed medication in the school setting."
Public Information Office
545 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703
608-663-1879
email: newsrelease@madison.k12.wi.us
Last Modified: 2002-04-22
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