Medication Regulations    

If you are a licensed or registered child care program or a legally exempt child care provider, who provides state subsidized child care, and you choose to administer medication to children in your care you must be in compliance with the Health and Infection Control regulations.

Here are some important points to know:

• All caregivers may apply over-the-counter topical ointments, sunscreen lotion and topical insect repellant with written permission from the parent or guardian.
• Caregivers who administer actual medications must be trained in Medication Administration Training (MAT). They must also be at least 18 years of age and have a current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid.
• Caretakers that administer medications must hire a health care consultant who will review and approve the caretaker's health care plan and training certificates. The health care consultant must also visit the day care program to review the program’s health care plan at least once every two years.
• Caregivers are not permitted to administer medications through injection except for epi-pens. Arrangements for injectable medications may be approved in specific circumstances and under the guidance of the child's medical provider.
• OCFS approved, MAT trained caregivers are permitted to administer prescription and over-the-counter medications when they have written instructions from the prescriber and permission from the parent.
• Caregivers must document all medications given to children in their programs, report any errors, if errors occur and properly store and handle all medications.

Read the Health and Infection Control Regulations