Bill to Require Schools to Establish Policies on Over-the-Counter Medications Passes General Assembly

COLUMBUS— On Wednesday, the Ohio Senate passed House Bill 70, legislation which will require Ohio schools to adopt policies regarding the administration of over-the-counter medications, announced bill sponsors, State Reps. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) and Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula).

Under current law, public schools are only required to have a policy on the administration of prescription medications. House Bill 70 will expand this requirement to include over-the-counter medication administration.

“Parents know their child’s medical history best,” said Gross. “Now, with the Governor’s signature remaining, this legislation is poised to become law. It will foster collaboration between parents and schools, ultimately protecting the health and safety of Ohio children.”

House Bill 70 specifically aims to protect the health of students, equip school nurses and parents in better communicating about their child’s health history and needs, and protect schools from potential liability.

“Representative Gross and I brought this legislation forward when we learned that Ohio law is silent regarding over-the-counter medication administration within a school,” said Fowler Arthur. “The absence of a clear policy has led to a child becoming ill from the administration of an over-the-counter medicine that interacted with her prescription medication. With the Ohio Senate passing House Bill 70, we are one step closer to ensuring the protection and safety of our children.”

House Bill 70 now heads to the Governor for his signature or veto.