Counselors and School Nurses FAQ

The Facts:

• What do I do if I suspect a student is under the influence or abusing prescription drugs?

  Based on a student’s behavior at school, it’s not possible to determine if the student has a problem with a prescription drug, an illegal “street” drug, or is experiencing some medical issue – the signs and symptoms can be much the same.

• What are typical symptoms of prescription drug misuse or abuse?

  Much depends on which prescription drug the student may be misusing, for how long, and how often. Note that the symptoms of prescription drug abuse are often similar to symptoms of illicit “street” drug abuse – there is no sure way to tell if a prescription drug is at fault without blood, urine, or other laboratory tests.

  Possible signs of prescription drug abuse include:

  • Abnormal drowsiness.
  • Unusual agitation, restlessness, or disturbed sleep.
  • Rapid pulse, rapid breathing, and sweating for no obvious reason.
  • Inability to concentrate or focus.
  • Abrupt changes in personality or manner.
  • Secretive or evasive behavior.
  • Unexplained disappearance of medications from the home, especially
    painkillers and depressants.
  • Sudden changes in academic or athletic performance
  • Unusual irritability, aggression.

  When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Follow your school’s CDPP procedures to notify the parents, or if needed, seek emergency medical care for the student.

• Can I ask students about their health issues and prescription drugs?

  If your school allows students to carry prescription medications in school – and if the policy requires the student carry the medication in a properly labeled prescription container and carry a proof of authorization – you can request to see these items.

  Due to privacy laws involving health matters, especially those of minors, asking a student about their health issues or prescription medications may be problematic.

  Refer to your school’s policies and procedures.

• What should I do if I find a student with pills in school?

  This should be governed in part by your medication management plan (MMP) and your disciplinary policy, both of which should specifically address possessing prescription drugs in the school.

  If you or staff see a student with pills or other medications in school, it is permissible to ask to see the prescription container, other proof that the medication is in fact prescribed, or authorization for the student to carry the medication, if your school includes this provision in the MMP. However, note that due to health privacy regulations (such as HIPAA) the student may refuse to show you the container or reveal any confidential medical information. It’s always best to immediately notify parents of the situation, then handle the matter according to your policies.

  However, if you or other school staff observe a student passing pills or other medications to another student, it immediately becomes a law enforcement issue, whether the student has a legitimate prescription for the medication or not. It is always illegal to give, sell, or transfer prescription drugs to someone else. It is always illegal to take prescription medication prescribed to someone else.

  In most cases, it’s not appropriate for school administrators or staff to confiscate, store, or hold students’ prescription drugs. If school staff observe a student carrying or passing prescription drugs to another student, it is best to notify law enforcement immediately, then contact the parents.

• How should I approach parents if I suspect a student has a prescription drug problem?

  If you have any concerns or suspicions, the best practice is to have a school counselor meet with parents to detail the observed behavior and related issues, such as a drop in school performance, disciplinary problems, and personality changes.

• What legal issues should I be aware of with prescription drugs?

  With few exceptions, it’s against the law to:

  • Give or sell a prescription drug to someone for whom it was not prescribed.
  • Possess a controlled substance without a current prescription.
  • Take a controlled medication without a prescription.