Blog For October 27th, 2008

For the last few blogs entries I have highlighted some of the new or crucial features of the reenacted Article 47 New York City Child Care Regulations for child care center programs.

Typically most child care programs are so burdened with day to day administrative tasks it is almost impossible to find an extra moment to read new materials. However it is crucial that you have this information. These are ongoing operational procedures that you won’t be able to correct when it’s time for program review. And, as always, not strictly adhering to regulations in the operation of your center exposes you to greater liability if there is an accident or mistake.

Section 47.31 of the regulations describes a child care center’s responsibility in regards to medication administration. It states that: “A child care center is required to establish a written policy as to whether it will or will not administer medication to children and incorporate that policy in the center’s health care plan”. It further states that “if a center chooses to administer medications to children it shall designate a health care consultant of record, who shall be a health care provider as defined in this Article. The permittee (child care program) shall confer with the health care consultant and shall obtain approval of the consultant for the portion of the health care plan regarding policies and procedures related to the administration of medications”.
Section 47.31 is a couple of pages of information regarding the administration of medication to children, but I strongly urge you to read the entire section. The regulations can be found on the DOHMH website www.nyc.gov/dohmh

In plain English, the regulation is advising centers that if you choose to administer medication to children upon the request of their parents, you must engage a health care consultant who is recognized by DOHMH. This consultant will help you to develop a medication administration plan that will meet the approval of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). The plan must include staff that has MAT (Medication Administration Training) certification in order to administer medication.

Of course centers have a right to choose not to administer medication. If you make that decision it should be clearly stated in your operational policies and procedures. However working parents often find themselves facing circumstances where they need the child care center’s help and support in administering a daily or hourly medication. If, after careful consideration of the pros and cons of medication administration you decide yes, CCR&R programs in NYC have both approved consultants and MAT trainers. They will be able to expertly guide you through the entire process. One such program, Child Development Support Corporation CCR&R can be reached at 718-398-6738 or www.cdscnyc.org