Administration of Medications
It is important for you to also be aware of any medications a girl may take.
Medication, including over-the-counter products, must never be dispensed without prior
written permission from a girl’s custodial parent or guardian. Some girls may need to
carry and administer their own medications, such as bronchial inhalers, an EpiPen, or
diabetes medication.
Girl Scout volunteers are not required or encouraged to administer medication to girls.
However, volunteers may agree to accept the responsibility of administering certain
medications. If adult volunteer in charge is uncomfortable administering medication, they
must discuss an alternate plan with parent/guardian.
The Girl Health History form is where permission is given to treat the child and administer
medication and emergency medical care.
If a girl is not old enough to administer her own emergency medications (EpiPens and
Bronchial inhalers), either the parent/guardian needs to attend the event or the troop
leader/first aider will need to choose to accept responsibility. If the leader/first aider
chooses to accept responsibility, any medication, along with permission to dispense (see
Girl Health History form) must be given to the troop leader/first aider prior to departure. The
medications should be kept separately from the first aid kit. Even if the girl will carry her
own medication, the medication permission form for that medication must be turned in
prior to departure.
All medication must be in its original packaging with the following information:
o Girl’s name
o Doctor’s name & phone number
o Dosage instructions
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This includes all over the counter medications, even vitamins. Medications can only be dispensed
according to the labeled directions unless it is accompanied by a note from the physician.
The Girl Health History form has a list of over-the-counter medications that you may want to
consider keeping with you for use during Girl Scout activities. Parents will indicate, in writing,
which medications may be administered to their girl.
At no time shall an adult who is not the designated troop leader/first aider
administer any medications, including over-the-counter, unless the adult is the
girls’ parent/guardian.
For various reasons, some parents/guardians may object to immunizations or medical examinations.
Councils must attempt to make provisions for these girls to attend Girl Scout functions in a way that
accommodates these concerns.
Girl Scout Activity Insurance
Every registered Girl Scout and registered adult member in the Girl Scout movement is automatically
covered under the basic plan upon registration. The entire premium cost for this protection is borne by
Girl Scouts of the USA. The basic plan is effective during the regular fiscal year (October to the following
October). Up to 14 months of insurance coverage is provided for new members who register in the
month of August. This insurance provides up to a specified maximum for medical expenses incurred as
a result of an accident while a member is participating in an approved, supervised Girl Scout activity,
after the individual’s primary insurance pays out. This is one reason that all adults and girls should be
registered members. Non-registered parents, tagalongs (brothers, sisters, friends), and other persons
are not covered by basic coverage.