Medication administration procedures should reflect all applicable regulations, stakeholder expertise, and planning for all situations where medications may be needed. These procedures should include both prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Tips and Strategies for Medication Administration Procedures

• Incorporate best practices where needed to supplement regulations.
• Engage the expertise of all stakeholders, including program staff, consultants, community health professionals, and the family.
• Plan for special situations, such as:
  • Substitute staff
  • New staff or staffing changes
  • Transportation to and from the program
  • Field trips
  • Changes in program schedules
  • Children dropped off or picked up early or late
  • Medications as part of the program’s emergency preparedness, response, and recovery procedures
• Create a medication procedures checklist that makes sure all medication administration procedures are completed for every medication needed in the program.