Medication Administration Training
Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about a medication?
Call the Nurse Help Line: available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (303) 739-1211 Call Metro Denver, Rocky Mountain Poison Center: (303) 739-1123 or Statewide toll free 1(800)332-3073

Back to top

Who needs to take the medication class?
All licensed family child care providers need to take the medication class. It is strongly recommended that all center child care providers who give medication complete this training. Remember, child care center staff must take some form of medication training. State regulations require center staff to take this class.

Back to top

How often do I need to take the class?
Every three years.

Back to top

Do I receive “clock hours” for the medication administration training?
Yes, you will receive four clock hours the first time you take this course. This is the only time you will receive clock hours.

Back to top

How can I locate trainings?
Method 1: Visit Find a Medication Administration Trainer on this website. This will bring you to a listings by county of all DCC approved RN instructors and their telephone numbers. Call and ask when the next training will be given.
Method 2: Visit the Qualistar Training Calendar on this website.
Method 3: Call Qualistar Early Learning at 303.339.6818 to obtain a list of RN phone numbers
Method 4: Call your local health agency and ask if any classes are scheduled.

Back to top

If I am not involved in giving children medications, do I need to take this class?
Yes, it is required by state licensing that all licensed family child care providers take this class. Remember, child care center staff must take some form of medication training. All child care center staff involved in giving medications should take this class.

Back to top

What paperwork is required?
Written authorization from the health care provider with prescriptive authority and written permission from the parent or guardian is required. Please refer to the medication provider packet for examples. Please note, a faxed authorization from the health care provider is acceptable.

Back to top

Can I refuse to give medication?
According to the American’s with Disabilities Act, if the medication is for a disability, such as seizure disorder or ADD, you cannot refuse to give the medication. If the medication is not required for a disability, you can refuse to give it. Please note: Further investigation is needed regarding the use of medication for acute health conditions, such as ear infections, pink eye, respiratory infections, etc.

Back to top

Can blanket permissions be used?
No (blanket permission is a list of medications that can be given throughout the school year.)

Back to top

What medications can I give once I have received the training?
You can give the routine medications as outlined in the medication class. (Please refer to your provider handbook.) Please Note: Nebulizer treatments, epipen and other special health procedures requiring individualized training and a health care plan must be delegated and supervised by a Registered Nurse. You MUST receive the medication authorization form signed by a health care provider with prescriptive authority and written parent permission before you give any medication.

Back to top

Do I need a physician’s authorization to apply sunscreen or diaper ointment?
Only if it is prescribed for treatment purposes, such as sunscreen given for a child with eczema or a diaper ointment given for a yeast infection.

Back to top

Can I administer nebulizer treatments with written physician authorization?
Yes, but you need to receive individualized training and supervision by a Registered Nurse.

Back to top

Do I need to document every time I give a medication?
Medications prescribed by a doctor do need to be documented every time they are administered. Sunscreen and preventive diaper ointment do not need to be documented daily. It is recommended that you include this as part of your center or home procedure. You do not need medication authorization to use a diaper ointment unless that diaper ointment has been prescribed for a specific condition.

Back to top

Can I give Tylenol with parent permission if a child has a fever?
Not without a written health care provider medication authorization form. You must have his form before you can give any form of medication. All medications should be discussed and prescribed at the child’s Well Child Visits with a health care provider. Some health appraisal forms do allow for a Tylenol order to be written.

Back to top

What do I do if a parent comes in and asks to change the child’s dosage of medication?
This can only be done if the parent obtains a written authorization or a faxed authorization from the child’s health care provider. Be sure to also have the parent’s permission signature.
Example: Johnny currently takes 5 mg of Ritalin at lunchtime. The parent now requests Johnny receive 10 mg of Ritalin. You have not received a new medical authorization form and the pharmacy label indicates 5 mg of Ritalin be given at lunchtime. You can only do this if you have the written authorization form from the child’s health care provider, the parent permission, and an updated pharmacy label.

Back to top