School nurses may follow doctor's orders instead of parent's orders if a student needs medicine

AUSTIN (KXAN) — It may no longer be acceptable for parents to give school nurses permission to give over-the-counter medicine for a stomach ache or headache without a doctor’s note.

“The Board of Nursing has weighed in on this rule,” said Alana Bejarano with the Austin Independent School District (AISD).

“Now any order for medication given by a nurse or a trained professional, such as a teacher or counselor, whoever we dictate to give that medication needs to have an order behind it, a medical order which includes a diagnosis.”

As AISD’s Executive Director of Health Services and Nursing, Bejarano supports the policy and has had it in place since 2021.

“I've really researched policies, procedures, and in Texas, nurses do follow doctor's orders. It's no different from the hospital or any other place that you work. And I want to have the best policies, procedures and best evidence-based practice here in AISD.”

Safety is another reason some schools may implement the policy.

“It is a safety measure for our personnel and for students to make sure that a doctor understands why they need that medication and what it's for and how nurses can help administer that,” said Bejarano.

“I know some of those smaller things may seem insignificant, but if the nurse knows and can help, they can absolutely further advance that student's medical needs if needed.”