House Committee Passes Bill to Require Schools to Establish Policies on Over-the-Counter Medications

COLUMBUS—The House Primary and Secondary Education Committee today passed House Bill 70, legislation that 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).

“School districts should have parent approved, well written policies and procedures that focus on safe administration of over-the-counter medications,” said Gross. “Our goal with this legislation is to ensure all of our children are as safe as possible.”

The bill sponsors cited the following as goals they aim to achieve in passing this legislation: 

To protect the health of Ohio children from unexpected reactions to medications;
To assist school nurses and parents in better communicating about their child’s health history and needs; and
To decrease potential liability to schools.

“This bill seeks to patch an oversight in existing policies for more uniform and consistent protection of student health,” said Fowler Arthur. “It is critical that schools include parents in any conversation about their child’s health and well-being.”

House Bill 70 awaits a vote on the House floor.