You are on this page: Parents Administration of Medication Resource Information
Most children in the United States younger than age 6 spend significant time in child care settings outside the home. Keeping children safe and healthy is the goal of the parent and the child's caretaker. Despite the best care practices, is it is inevitable that children will get sick. Parents and providers must work together to prepare for illnesses ahead of time. Do you know if your provider is authorized to administer medications, if needed? Have you asked to read your provider's health care plan? The answers to these questions are important.
If you are a parent or guardian with a child attending a licensed or registered day care program or if your child is receiving state subsidized child care funds, your child's caretaker may only administer medication to your child if he/she has been approved to do so by the Office of Children and Family Services.
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.
- Office 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.
Health and Infection Control Regulations
To read the Health and Infection Control regulations in their entirety, see the NYS child care regulations.