From: bec@PIPELINE.COM
Date: Wed Jun 28 2000 - 08:47:48 CDT
Ed Thompson <thompson@VAX2.WINONA.MSUS.EDU> Wrote on Tue, 27
Jun 2000 16:11:57 -0600
> It is a lose-lose situation for the adult. Run, don't
> walk, away from any temptation to take responsibility for
> prescription or other medicines getting taken.
And later:
> Older scouts are fully capable of managing their own
> medications, and if not they are the ones who will take
>the consequences.
and
> For scouts too young for that responsibility, it remains
> with the parents - NEVER let it become yours
Ed has a very good point, and one thing that has been missing
in the discussion, this time around, is any mention of what the
BSA says on this matter. What they say is spelled out in the
Guide to Safe Scouting and appears at the end of page 37 in the
1999 edition, but I don't believe it has changed:
"The taking of prescription medicationis the responsibility of
the individual taking the medication and/or that individual's
parent or guardian. A Scout Leader, after obtaining all the
necessary information, can agree to accept the responsibility
of making sure a Scout takes the necessary medication at the
appropriate time, but BSA policy does not mandate nor necessarily
encourage the Scout leader to do so. Also, if your state laws
are more limiting, they must be followed."
I agree with Ed, medication is a responsibility I would generally
NOT accept from a parent. If the camp claims that they are required
to hold and administer all meds, especially if it is state law
(which I would verify before I attended) they you have no choice
but to comply, especially with respect to the youth. But then
THEY have accepted the responsibility, not you.
Frankly, I have a problem even with this. I believe that taking
meds from a patient creates and affirmative obligation to make
sure they get administered. And, to me, that means finding a
Scout who doesn't show up at the health lodge in the morning
for his meds, not just sitting back and waiting for him to arrive.
Just like in a hospital where they bring the medication and
make sure it is consumed. But I have never seen that kind of
proactive position taken in camp.
--
Bruce E. Cobern
mailto:bec@pipeline.com
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