The Use of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers in Public Schools.
August 1, 2009
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in public schools has been regulated by the State Education Department, requiring a physician's note for the use of over-the-counter medication administration in the school setting.
Due to the increase in MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) cases reported in schools recently, public school medical directors in New York have been authorized to approve and permit the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers without a physician's order.
Hand sanitizers must be used under the supervision of an adult when used in the school setting, and, it is noted that careful hand-washing with soap and water is the most effective way to control the spread of MRSA, and, it is the practice of our schools to encourage students to carefully wash their hands with soap and water.
Should you wish to have your child use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, you may send this product to school with your child with your written permission to have your child use the product. Each building principal will provide for adult supervision of the product use. No student will be permitted to share their personal alcohol-based hand sanitizer product with another student, and, parents may provide written notification to the school if they do not wish to have their child use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer at any time.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school building administrator.
Thank you.
Sincerely
Kathleen Farrell, Ph.D.
Superintendent
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