title: Procedure for the Disposal of Controlled Medication in the School Setting.
abstract: The disposal of controlled medication left in the school nurse office is problematic for school nurses. Medications are left for a variety of reasons: students transfer out of the district, state, or country; parents and guardians lack transportation to pick up their child's medication; and some families simply forget. The medications of concern are controlled substances, primarily Schedule II medications including Adderall, Concerta, and methylphenidate. Over time, these medications begin to accumulate in a school nurse's office. Schools should establish procedures that address safe disposal of controlled medications as well as liability protection for the school nursing staff. This article will discuss a procedure created for the Christina School District in conjunction with a state board of pharmacy and subsequently shared with other school nurses in the State of Delaware.
authors: Lead Nurse/School Nurse, Oberle Elementary School, Christina School District.
authors: Karen A
authors: KA
authors: Kleinschmidt
mesh_terms: D003691:Delaware; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control; D006801:Humans; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal / Q000592:standards*; D012573:School Nursing
chemical_list: D017744:Medical Waste Disposal
keywords: Controlled Substance Act; Schedule II medication; controlled medication; medication disposal; school medication policy