Ada Mary Policy Information

Administration of Authorised Medication Policy

 

Implementation

• The centre will ensure that the Administration of Authorised Medication Record is completed for each child using the centre who requires medication. A separate entry must be completed for each medication if more than one is required.
• Medication may be administered by the centre with written authority signed by the child’s parent or other responsible individual named in the child’s enrolment record that is authorised by the child’s parents to make decisions about the administration of medication.

• Due to regulations the centre is unable to maintain a supply of paracetamol on site that can be used for multiple children.  We therefore ask that all families who have children in the 0-3 age group bring in a named bottle of paracetamol, which is kept here at the centre.  If there is a cause for this to be administered to your child, in light of fever, teething or other illness, the staff will call the parent or legal guardian  and gain verbal consent to administer as per the required dosage. The verbal consent from the parent or legal guardian will be heard on the telephone by two educators to ensure the accuracy of the instruction. All over the counter medications will only be administered for a 24 hour period.  If a child requires ongoing paracetamol for injury pain or fever, they are deemed not well enough to attend care.
•  If the child does not have paracetamol on site, the parent or legal guardian has a choice to collect some and bring it in to the centre, or collect your child and take them home.
• We will administer nappy cream if a parent or authorised person authorises this. The authority for sunscreen is completed at the commencement of enrolment through the authorities and agreements section on the enrolment form. The authority for the application of nappy cream is provided by educators in the child’s room at the commencement of care.

 

Cough medicines (From the Royal Children’s Hospital)

Cough medicines are not useful in treating cough in children; in fact, recent studies suggest that some cough medicines may occasionally be harmful to younger children.  If a child is unwell, has a temperature and/or has trouble breathing they should see a doctor to ensure they receive appropriate medical attention. The AMA is concerned that treating what appear to be the symptoms of coughs and colds in children with over the counter medicines may delay the diagnosis and treatment of more serious conditions.

Some cough medicines work by thinning the mucus produced in the airway. Others reduce your natural cough reflex or may contain similar ingredients to anti-histamines. However, there is no scientific evidence that cough medicines will be helpful, and some may have unwanted side effects, like constipation. Cough medicines should not be used in children younger than six years old, and only used in children over six on the advice of a health professional.

Prescribed Medication

• In the instance that the child’s registered medical practitioner prescribes a medication, the centre must ensure the medication is administered appropriately.
• Medication must be provided by the child’s parents including the following –
  • Original container. Medication will only be administered from the original container.
  • Original label that is clearly readable with a visible use by date of the medication.
  • Child’s name clearly on the label.
  • Any instructions attached to the medication or related to the use of the medication.
  • Any verbal or written instructions provided by the child’s registered medical practitioner.

 

Storage of Medications

• Any individual delivering a child to the centre must not leave medications in the child’s bag or locker. Medication must be given directly to an educator for appropriate storage upon arrival.
• Medications are stored in a locked cupboard in the hallway opposite the Toddler room where they are protected from all direct sources of heat. Medications that require refrigeration will be stored in the fridge in the kitchen or staff room.
• Epi pens are stored in the Red Cross bag labelled with the child’s details. This bag is in view of all educators, but out of children’s reach.
• Asthma relieving medications are stored separately in individually named containers kept on high shelves or in labelled cupboards out of the children’s reach.
• All medications and use by dates are recorded including Epi pens and asthma relieving medications. There is an audit of the medications once per month and families are provided with notice one month prior to the medication expiring. The medications are also checked to ensure the medication is in the original container with legible labels.

Emergency Administration of Medication

• In the event of an emergency, the centre must follow the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy and complete the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record.
• In the event of an occasion where the administration of medication must occur, the centre must attempt to receive verbal authorisation by a parent of the child named in the child’s Enrolment Form who is authorised to consent to the administration of medication.
• If a parent of a child cannot be contacted, the centre must attempt to receive verbal authorisation from an emergency contact of the child named in the child’s Enrolment Form who is authorised to consent to the administration of medication.
• If none of the child’s nominated contacts can be reasonably reached, the centre must contact a registered medical practitioner or an emergency service on 000.
• In the event of an emergency and where the administration of medication must occur, written notice must be provided to a parent of the child or other emergency contact individual listed on the child’s Enrolment Form.

• If there is a medical emergency however we may administer medication during asthma or anaphylaxis emergency without first receiving authorisation.

Emergency Involving Anaphylaxis or Asthma

• For anaphylaxis or asthma emergencies, medication may be administered to a child without an authorisation.
• The centre must contact the following as soon as practicably possible –
  • A parent or legal guardian of the child.
  • Emergency services.
  • The child will be positively reassured, calmed and removed to a quiet area under the direct supervision of a suitably experienced and trained staff member.

 

Sources

Education and Care Services National Regulations
National Quality Standard
Early Years Learning Framework

Royal Children’s Hospital- www.rch.org.au