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Medication Administration

Information relating to medication administration in California schools, including training standards for the administration of epinephrine to students and adults and information regarding the anti-seizure medication law.

Administration of Emergency Anti-Seizure Medication
Training standards to recognize and respond to seizures and for the administration of emergency anti-seizure medication in accordance with the Seizures Safe Schools Act (Education Code Sections 49468-49468.5).

Medication Administration Assistance
Provides a sample checklist for local educational agencies with helpful information that may be given to parents and guardians when children need to take medication before school or take medication at school.

Program Advisory on Medication Administration (PDF)
As authorized by the California Code of Regulations Title 5, Section 611, and approved on May 12, 2005, by the State Board of Education, this advisory provides non-binding guidance to local educational agencies on medication administration in California public schools.

Training Standards for the Administration of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (Updated 2023)
As authorized by California EC Section 49414, California public schools may train designated school personnel in the administration of life-saving epinephrine to students and adults who are experiencing severe allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. The Guidelines for Physical Health Care Services in Educational Settings - Asthma module External link opens in new window or tab. from the California School Nurses Organization External link opens in new window or tab. has forms and other resources that may be used for training. The California Department of Education does not endorse or approve the sample forms but provides this as information only.

Epinephrine Standing Order External link opens in new window or tab.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE) has issued a statewide standing order to help reduce morbidity and mortality associated with anaphylaxis by facilitating the distribution and administration of epinephrine in California schools. This standing order authorizes a California school (public, charter, or private), school district, or county office of education to obtain epinephrine auto-injectors for elementary schools, junior high schools, middle schools, and high schools. Administration of epinephrine, via regular epinephrine auto-injector or junior epinephrine auto-injector, to a person suffering, or reasonably believed to be suffering, from an anaphylactic reaction by school nurses or trained personnel is authorized in accordance with Education Code 49414 External link opens in new window or tab.. For more information on how to apply and learn who is eligible visit the Epinephrine Standing Order Application web page External link opens in new window or tab..

Questions:   Office of School-Based Health Programs | schoolnurse@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, April 9, 2024