Why do the rules seem so strict?

Pennsylvania law separates prescriber, pharmacist, and nurse roles. Nurses cannot give medication without written orders and proper packaging. It is one of the most restrictive separations in the country.

What are Standing Orders?

Standing Orders are our physician-approved protocols that allow camp nurses to continue certain common home medication routines without a separate Prescriber’s Order [PDF][PNG][JPG], when properly documented and provided in approved packaging.

What if my child takes medication at a different time at home?

Camp medications are administered at scheduled times. If your child’s home schedule differs, the Prescriber’s Order should be written to match camp timing. Please contact the Health Center in advance so we can plan appropriately. For ADHD meds, we are open after breakfast as well. 

Can medications be added or changed during the session?

Yes. Any medication changes or additions require documentation, usually a Prescriber’s Order. Please contact the Health Center before sending medications to camp.

Why can’t we use weekly pill organizers?

Only pharmacists may dispense medications into containers for nurse administration in the State of Pennsylvania.

Do sleep aids require an order?

Yes. All sleep aids require a Prescriber’s Order – including melatonin, magnesium blends, herbal sleep products, and natural sleep supplements.

What if my provider won’t write an order for an OTC medicine?

It is not a “prescription request.” It is a legal requirement for nurses. Most providers sign once this is explained. 

Both of my children take the same medication, can I send just the one bottle? 

We are sorry to say no to this one. We know our limitations, and have had difficulties with this in the past. The issue is that most nights, siblings do not come to the Health Center together. 

Can my child keep medication in the bunk? What about their rescue inhaler or epipen?

Emergency medications are stored centrally so all of our staff knows where they are. Contact us if your child typically self-carries and you would like reassurance about how we manage this at Camp Onas. Under no circumstances can medications be left with campers. 

Can you make an exception for my child?

In most cases, no. Medication handling at camp is governed by Pennsylvania law, and nurses must follow these requirements as written. While we work closely with families to plan ahead, we cannot make exceptions that conflict with legal or safety standards.

Q: What counts as medication at camp

A: At Camp Onas, medication means anything the nurse gives, including:

• • Prescription medications.
  • Over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, Advil, Zyrtec, Claritin, Tums, antacids).
  • Vitamins and supplements.
  • Sleep aids (melatonin, magnesium blends, natural sleep products).
  • Herbal or natural remedies.
  • Probiotics.
  • Hormonal medications, including birth control.
  • GI routines (fiber, lactase, ex-lax).
  • Rescue inhalers.
  • Eye or ear drops.
  • Creams and ointments.

 

If the Nurse administers it, it is a medication under Pennsylvania law.

It seems that all medications your nurses give need orders, can you give me a run down on the different mechanisms to accomplish that. 

A: You are correct! There are three ways to fulfill this Pennsylvania requirement. 

1. If the medication is on our Stock Medication List, we’ve listed it on the Health Form for approval. You approve all these when completing the form. Our doctor allows us to look at your approvals and administer these medications as written on the box. We can give these if your camper comes in with a symptom or issue.

2. Standing-Order to Continue Home Routines

Our doctor authorizes Camp Onas’ nurses to continue certain home routines without a separate order, as long as they are listed on the Health History Form and sent in original packaging. These include:

• • Daily seasonal allergy medications
  • Birth control
  • Rescue inhalers (used occasionally)
  • GI routines (fiber, lactase, probiotics, ex-lax)
  • Existing skincare routines
  • Preventive swimmer’s ear drops

 

3. Everything else requires a Prescriber’s Order [PDF][PNG][JPG], including:

• • ADHD and mental health medications
  • Daily asthma controllers
  • Sleep aids of any kind
  • OTC medications taken daily
  • Herbal or natural supplements
  • Off-label medications
  • Any medication requiring monitoring or titration
  • Any medication not clearly in Stock or Standing-Order categories

 

Are there specific concerns that we should discuss with the Health Center early? 

Absolutely, the earlier the better. Many situations are better supported with advance planning. 

Please reach out prior to the session (email healthcenter@camponas.org) with additional information or to set up a time to talk for medication needs like:

• • Takes multiple psychotropic medications
  • Uses daily asthma controllers
  • Takes anticonvulsants
  • Uses insulin or glucose management medication
  • Takes heart medication or diuretics
  • Takes medication affecting judgment or alertness
  • Has medications requiring monitoring
  • Recently changed mental health medications
  • Was hospitalized for mental health reasons in the past year
  • Uses injectable medications

 

Thank you!