May a non-licensed person assist a self-directed student in taking their own medications?
A non-licensed person who has been trained may observe or assist (i.e., open bottle) a self-directed student in taking their own medication. A non-licensed person cannot administer medication in the school setting. (Refer to NYSED Guidelines for Administration of Medication in Schools, April 2002, p.5) Question: May an unlicensed individual administer Benadryl to students with severe allergies when there is an order to administer antihistamine in conjunction with epinephrine as part of emergency care? Answer: It is only appropriate for an unlicensed person to assist a self-directed student with a student specific order for Benadryl as a part of an Emergency Care Plan with appropriate direction and guidance from the building school nurse. If a student is non self-directed, an unlicensed person may not administer Benadryl to the student as a part of emergency care.
