Florida Statute Now Says Kids Can Possess, And Take, Over The Counter Headache Meds. Palm Beach County School Set To Comply.
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — It may soon be okay for students in Palm Beach County Public Schools to carry headache medication in their backpacks or pockets — without necessarily having to check in with school nurses or other district employees. A Florida Statute now permits over-the-counter headache meds to be self-administered by students, apparently changing the long-time “zero tolerance” policy prohibiting students from carrying any medication at all.
The Florida State Legislature approved this statute which is now in effect: “Use and possession of headache medications.—A student may possess and use a medication to relieve headaches while on school property or at a school-sponsored event or activity without a physician’s note or prescription if the medication is regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use to treat headaches.”
While the State of Florida said one thing, school districts did something else — still requiring students and their parents to register all medication with school nurses or other employees. In the case of OTC headache medication, a registration requirement is no longer in compliance with Florida statute. The Palm Beach County School Board is set to adopt the new policy during Wednesday’s meeting.
School District Attorney Laura Pincus signed off on this new Palm Beach County School District language: “Updates Policy 5.321 in accordance with F.S. 1002.20(3)(p) which allows a student to possess and self-administer over-the-counter medication regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat headaches. The Office of General Counsel has reviewed proposed revised Policy 5.321 and finds it legally sufficient for adoption by the Board.”
Whether parents will immediately be permitted to send their children to school with Tylenol and related meds remains to be seen — as does recourse for parents and students who take the statute at its face value, only to find out that a teacher or other administrator is threatening suspension or expulsion. The School District did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.
