MCS Health Services

Included on this page:

1. Medication Guidelines

2. Health Care Plans

3. Diet Restrictions

4. Illness Guidelines

5. Alabama Immunization Records

Most schools will have a Sign-up Genius set up to schedule medication drop-offs. Please select a time that fits into your schedule.

If your student will require any medication for use during school hours, please have the student's doctor complete the UPDATED ALSDE Prescriber/Parent Authorization (PPA) form.

Requirements for each section (common errors)

Student information

• Filled out completely, including weight and allergies

Prescriber Authorization (To be completed by a licensed healthcare provider)

• Frequency/Time(s) to be given: This section must match the labeled directions on the box/bottle of mediction EXACTLY in order to be accepted
• "Use as directed" is not a sufficient dosage or frequency
• If a medication may require a second dose (epinephrine/inhalers), this must be stated on the PPA and medication label.

Examples: Epinephrine: May repeat dose in 15 minutes/ Inhaler: 2-4 puffs

• Reason for the medication use must be stated
• Special Instructions:
• ALL questions/check boxes must be answered
• A printed name and signature, with credentials listed, from the provider

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin may be administered according to the dosing scale on the package for up to 2 weeks without a physician's signature.

An OTC PPA will be completed in the clinic by the school nurse and will include the student's weight to ensure correct dosing, a specific reason for the need and administration of the medication, and a parent/guardians signature.

If the acetaminophen/ibuprofen is needed at school for more than a 2 week period, a physician's signature is required. All other OTC medications will require a PPA signed by their healthcare provider with their credentials listed.

• All medication MUST be delivered to the school nurse by a parent or guardian. The student’s presence at drop-off is highly recommended.
• Many schools have specific times set for medication drop-offs. To ensure proper handling, please contact your school nurse in advance to arrange a suitable time.

• Paperwork will need to be completed with the nurse and signed by the parent/guardian before it can be administered to the student.
• Prescription medication: provided in the pharmacy box or bottle with an intact, clear label. The label must be worded exactly like the PPA form filled out by the provider.
• Over-the-counter medication: provided in the new, original, unopened(sealed) container

Health issues requiring medication or nursing care during the school day requires completion of an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP). When the parent or guardian brings the medication to the school with the student, the IHP will be reviewed and completed at that time.

Additional forms may also need to be completed and signed by the parent/guardian and student. Please plan to allow approximately 30 minutes to complete all required paperwork.

Check your school's handbook for specific guidelines regarding classroom parties and treats.

• If your student has a food allergy or intolerance, please have their healthcare provider complete the Diet Prescription form. All areas on the form must be filled out.
• If foods are listed to be omitted from their diet, specific foods to substitute MUST be provided.
• For students with a MILK ALLERGY: The form must state that the student has a milk allergy and that juice must be substituted. If nothing is listed, water will be used as a substitution.

For religious food restrictions, please provide the school nurse with a letter from your local religious leader.

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MCS follows the ADPH recommendations for communicable (contagious) diseases and symptoms. If a student develops vomiting, diarrhea, and/or a fever (100.0 degrees or higher) while at school, a parent/guardian or other designated adult on the child’s approved check-out list will be required to take the student home in a timely manner, preferably within the hour initially notified. Sick children may not remain at school, ride a school bus home, or attend any after school activities.

With other symptoms that may indicate illness such as persistent headache, stomach ache and/or abdominal cramps, sore throat, upper respiratory symptoms, or cold/flu-like symptoms, the school nurse may contact the parent/guardian or authorized adult and recommend that the student be taken home. Any open wound which may spread infection (impetigo, scabies, ringworm, moluscum) must be covered at all times while at school and may require a letter from a physician to return to school.

MCS Immunization Requirements

Under Alabama law, all students must have a current Certificate of Immunization (COI) prior to registering for school. A copy of the COI is kept on file at the student’s school and must be updated according to state guidelines.

Obtaining a Certificate of Immunization
The certificate may be obtained from the physician or clinic that administers the vaccine, or it may be completed by any county health department in Alabama if the parent presents an official vaccine record from the provider.

Valid COI Documents Must:

• Display the Alabama state seal in the background

• Be printed from ImmPrint

• Contain no handwritten dates

Religious Exemption
A parent or guardian may request a religious exemption by submitting a written objection based on religious tenets and practices. This must be done in person at the County Health Department, which will issue a Certificate of Religious Exemption.

Medical Exemption
A licensed physician may grant an individual exemption from required immunizations or testing by completing a Certificate of Medical Exemption.

Both the Certificate of Religious Exemption and the Certificate of Medical Exemption must be issued on forms approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health and will be accepted in place of the Certificate of Immunization.

Out-of-State Records
Out-of-state immunization records must be transferred to an Alabama Certificate of Immunization before school entry. This can be completed by taking the vaccine record to a local physician or county health department.

Military Families (PCS Transfers)
Official military immunization records may be accepted in place of an Alabama COI. Immunizations must still be in compliance with the required vaccinations per the ADPH.

If you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider or local health department for assistance.