Most children in the United States younger than age 6 spend significant time in child care settings outside the home. Keeping children safe and healthy is the goal of the parent and the child's caretaker. Despite the best care practices, it is inevitable that children will get sick. Parents and providers must work together to prepare for illnesses ahead of time. Are you, as a provider of day care, authorized to administer medications, if needed? Does your health care plan meet the needs of the children in your care? The answers to these questions are important.
If you are a licensed or registered day care provider or a legally exempt child care provider, who provides state subsidized child care, and you choose to administer medication to children in your care you must be in compliance with the Health and Infection Control regulations.
Here are some important points to know:
- All caregivers may apply over-the-counter topical ointments, sunscreen lotion and topical insect repellant with written permission from the parent or guardian.
- Caregivers who administer actual medications must be trained in Medication Administration Training (MAT). They must also be at least 18 years of age and have a current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid.
- Caretakers that administer medications must hire a health care consultant who will review and approve the caretaker's health care plan and training certificates. The health care consultant must also visit the day care program to review the program’s health care plan at least once every two years.
- Caregivers are not permitted to administer medications through injection except for epi-pens. Arrangements for injectable medications may be approved in specific circumstances and under the guidance of the child's medical provider.
- Office approved, MAT trained caregivers are permitted to administer prescription and over-the-counter medications when they have written instructions from the prescriber and permission from the parent.
- Caregivers must document all medications given to children in their programs, report any errors, if errors occur and properly store and handle all medications.
Read the Health and Infection Control regulations in their entirety.
