Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) Trustees recently greenlit a comprehensive update to the protocol governing the administration of medications to students. This revision not only introduces a prohibition on school staff administering medical cannabis to students but also includes a new medical safety plan and a parent/guardian permission form for medication administration.
Navigating the Landscape of Medical Cannabis
Initiated in March 2010, the revised procedure (AP 3-23) emphasizes the non-approval of medical cannabis as a drug or medicine in Canada. The Canadian Medical Association’s lack of support for prescribing medical cannabis further underscores the school division’s stance.
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Prohibiting Administration by School Staff
The updated protocol explicitly states that school staff members are not authorized to administer medical cannabis to students. Storage of medical cannabis in any form within school facilities is strictly prohibited. Parents of students with a medical cannabis prescription are encouraged to collaborate with school administration to devise a comprehensive plan for parental administration.
Addressing Special Cases
While the general stance is against the administration of medical cannabis by school staff, exceptions may be considered for extenuating circumstances. In such cases, school principals would collaborate with their liaison superintendent to evaluate the request.
Key Information for Consideration
Requests for exemption must include crucial information, such as a written medical note specifying the times for medication administration, exact dosage, method of administration, strain details, treatment duration, and a procedure outline for suspected adverse reactions.
The protocol unequivocally states that no consideration will be given to medical cannabis requiring administration through smoking or inhalation.
Empowering School Principals
Under the updated procedure, school principals play a pivotal role in ensuring staff and bus drivers are well-informed about students’ medical needs. Consultation with student services liaisons is encouraged to determine the necessity of a medical safety plan for specific students.
Parental Request for Medication Administration
Parents have the right to request the administration of medication supplied by them during school hours. Written requests must specify the time, dosage, method of administration, treatment duration, and outline procedures for suspected adverse reactions.
The updated parent/guardian permission form emphasizes that if medication administration exceeds staff comfort or skill levels, additional instructions from a licensed medical practitioner are mandatory. Approval from the associate superintendent of student services is a prerequisite before administering such medication.
Introducing the Medical Safety Plan
A noteworthy addition to the protocol is the inclusion of a comprehensive medical safety plan. This section, to be completed by a physician, covers symptoms, allergies, accommodations, adaptations, and emergency responses.
For those seeking detailed insights, the complete updated procedure is accessible on the division’s website cesd73.ca.
With its commitment to student safety, the 11,000-student CESD, headquartered in Innisfail, remains at the forefront of adapting protocols to meet the evolving landscape of student healthcare.
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