Many children in Westchester County younger than age 6 spend significant time in child care settings outside the home. Despite the best care practices, it is inevitable that children will get sick. Parents and providers need to work together to prepare for illnesses ahead of time. Is your program 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 in recruiting and retaining new families to your program.
As a licensed or registered child care provider 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.
Need additional assistance?
Contact Elissa Guzzardi, Director of Health Care Consultant Services Departments
if you are interested in administering medication in your program.
Contact her at 761-3456 ext. 154 or elissag@cccwny.org |
