Series 5000: Students
5141.213 Students Administering Medication
P5141.213(a)
Students
Administering Medication
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for the storage, administration, and documentation of naloxone*(Narcan) (*or other similarly acting and equally safe drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a drug overdose) use in schools. Naloxone* is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Rapid response and administration can prevent death and serious injury.
Rationale
The opioid epidemic has affected all communities, including youth and adults who interact with schools. While student opioid use is rare, exposure risk exists through:
● Ingestion by students (including younger children)
● Staff or community member overdose on school grounds
● Visitors or family members in crisis
Providing naloxone* on-site enhances school preparedness and supports a safe learning environment.
Scope
This policy applies to:
● All district schools and in district, on-site school-sponsored events
● School nurses, trained unlicensed personnel, as assigned
● Individuals on school grounds
Legal Authority
This policy aligns with:
● Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) §10-212a: Administration of medication in schools
● CGS §17a-714a: Standing orders and training for naloxone* administration
● Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) guidelines
● Public Act 19-191: Expands naloxone* availability in schools
Standing Orders
The district will maintain a standing medical order signed by the School Medical Advisor authorizing trained personnel to administer naloxone* to any individual suspected of opioid overdose.
P5141.213(b)
Students
Administering Medication
Procurement and Storage
● Naloxone* kits will be obtained with a standing order through:
o State or local health departments
o Community pharmacy programs
o Donation or grant programs
● Each school will store at least two (2) doses of naloxone* in:
o The health office
o An accessible AED/first aid cabinet
● Naloxone* must be stored at room temperature and checked monthly for expiration and integrity.
Training
In Connecticut non-nursing school staff may be trained and authorized to administer naloxone under District policy, consistent with good Samaritan protections and state public health guidance.
Training does not need to be medical level – it is recognition and response, not diagnosis.
Typical training looks like this: 30 to 60 minutes total, scenario based, no medical jargon, Q&A.
Best practice includes an annual refresher, new hire on board module, and a brief “just in time" review for staff who are trained.
Training content is overseen by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, district medical advisors, and legal council.
● Required for: All school nurses and designated staff
● Training will be documented and renewed annually.
Notification of school nurses availability
● Building Principal and/or designee will notify trained school employees when the school nurse is unavailable for the administration of the opioid antagonist, if necessary
Documentation
Following administration:
● Call 911
● Notify parent/guardian
● Complete an Naloxone* Emergency Incident Report
● Notify the School Medical Advisor and Superintendent
● Document in student/staff health record (if applicable)
● Restock naloxone* kit
P5141.213(c)
Students
Administering Medication
Liability
School employees who administer naloxone* in good faith under this policy are protected from civil and criminal liability under CGS §17a-714a and §52-557b (Good Samaritan law).
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed by the School Medical Advisor and updated per Connecticut General Statutes, as needed
Policy Revised: May 11, 2026 THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thomaston, Connecticut