There is a state law regarding administration of medications in child care programs that became effective on January 31, 2005. Child care programs wishing to give medications must:
Have staff complete and receive certification in the 8-hour Medication Administration Training (MAT).
Have staff complete CPR and First Aid.
Each program must also have a Child Care Health Consultant to review and sign off on their health care plan.
The program’s plan must also be approved by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
All of these things need to occur before a child care program can administer medication.
This law applies to New York State regulated family or group family child care providers who operate out of their homes, centers, Head Start, school age programs and informal care settings if the provider accepts government subsidies for care.
All medication falls under this new law with the exception of over the counter topical ointments, sunscreen, and topically applied insect repellent.
Parents will be asked by their child’s program to have a medical provider fill out an OCFS approved medication consent form or an approved equivalent in order to give the child medication. If the child’s program is not approved to give medications, by law, they cannot administer the medication. Therefore, a parent or relative with 3rd degree of consanguinity will be required to give the medication.
If your child is in need of a program that is MAT certified, please call Parent Services to help find the right program for you!
