Medication FAQ’s
Medication FAQs
Why do you require medications to be pre-packed?
Camp Huckins started requiring pre-packed medications several years ago based on the
American Camp Association and Board of Health recommendations and requirements. This
distribution method simplifies the process, helps nurses be better organized, and helps avoid
potential errors. This is a safety precaution that we have implemented and your adherence and
cooperation is appreciated.
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My child just started on a new prescription right before camp, what should we do now? Or what if the dose changes the week prior and now some pills in the pack are incorrect.
We do not recommend dose changes or starting a new medication just before or while your
child is at camp. If possible, please wait until your child has returned home. If this is not
possible, please contact [email protected] to discuss. We do not allow any changes to
psychiatric medications including ADHD medications and SSRIs within 45 days of
attending camp.
My child occasionally takes medication (Claritin with stuffy nose or Lactaid before meals) but they will not be taking it every day. Should we still order this medication?
Maybe. The health center has stock medications on hand and will provide as deemed
necessary after camper assessment. However, if your child routinely experiences this symptom
in a two-week period and you think it is possible that they will be taking it every day or if the
medication is likely not in our stock then those should be provided through our pharmacy
program and listed in their CampBrain record and Health History form to be given as needed.
Any medication not used will be returned to you at the end of camp. If you have any questions
about medications we stock, please email [email protected].
What if my child takes a controlled medication such as Adderall and we are only allowed to get it filled every 30 days the timing is off or my camper will be there for a month?
PackMyRx will fill the medication but hold the insurance approval until it is time for a refill.
Rarely, you will need to request a vacation override from your pharmacy and insurance
company to get the medication sooner to last the full time they are at camp.
Can we bring our medications with us?
No, all medications need to go through the pre-packaged medication vendor, our partner pharmacy, who sends the medications to the Camp Huckins health office in single dose packages. Each single dose package is labeled with the camper’s name, drug, dose and administration time. This allows us to accurately and quickly distribute medications to campers.
What if the partner pharmacy does not accept my insurance?
If your insurance is not accepted by our partner pharmacy, our Camp Nurse will be notified. They will reach out to you about the next steps.
My child’s medication is OTC (Including Vitamins, supplements or Melatonin), why do I need to go through the pharmacy?
Per the State of NH licensing requirements, our nursing staff must administer all medicine, including over-the-counter medications. Our Health Center is well stocked with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cough medicine, etc. If your camper takes an over-the-counter medication every day – for example, allergy medicine – please order that through our partner pharmacy. Because of the volume of medications administered daily, we ask that you refrain from ordering multi-vitamins or supplements UNLESS they are recommended by your camper’s Health Care Provider. If your provider recommends vitamins or supplements, a physician signed medical order form will be required. Vitamins and supplements also need to be ordered through our partner pharmacy.
Why do you use a pharmacy?
Over 30% of campers have daily medications, some receiving multiple medications multiple times a day. Utilizing a partner pharmacy that prepackages the medications allows our nurses to manage daily medications in a safe and effective manner, while also being available to respond to the day-to-day health needs of campers including illness, injury and general TLC. Prepackaged medications are recommended by the Alliance of Camp Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and is an evidenced based best practice. Camper health and safety is our top priority.
Can we order our medication in gummy form?
No, if your camper cannot swallow pills, it will be changed to chewable. .
How does my camper get their medication?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner medications will be given before the meal in the dining hall. Bedtime medications are administered in the Health Center.
What if I want my camper to get their medication at bedtime so they do not need to go to the dining hall early?
Unless it is truly a bedtime medication, we will change it to dinner. We will always find your camper at meals if they forget.
What if my child has a rescue inhaler (Albuterol) or has a EpiPen?
You may bring as needed inhalers and epi-pens with you and drop them off with the nurse at the medication table when you arrive. You may order inhalers through our partner pharmacy. If your camper is on any other medications, they will still need to be ordered through our partner pharmacy. Daily inhalers need to be ordered through our partner pharmacy. You will be charged the same charge as if you ordered through our partner pharmacy for any medication brought to camp(with nurse approval).
What if I do not order by the deadline?
You will be charged a late fee by our partner pharmacy. The deadline means that all the prescriptions have been received by our partner pharmacy.
What if I bring the medications with me?
There is a $200 fee charged to your camper account.
Will other people know what my child is taking?
No. Campers receive their medications individually.
What if I want my child to take half their normal dose or twice their normal dose?
We can only administer medications per the prescribed order. If you need the medication dosage to be changed, we will need a new prescription or provider’s note to change it. The note must be on the provider’s letterhead.
What if we were just admitted off the wait list and have medications?
You may bring them with you. Your camper will be charged the same fee as if ordered through the pharmacy. Please complete your health form immediately with medication information and notify the nurse at [email protected] with the name, dose, and mealtime they should be administered.
Where do I find the information on camp’s partner pharmacy?
Below is the link for the PackMyRx website.
Can my camper drop off their own medication?
No, all medications need to be signed in by a parent/guardian including Albuterol and EpiPens. .
May my camper keep their medications with them and administer them themselves? ons?
No, state law dictates that no medications may be in a camper’s cabin. All medications (prescription and OTC) need to be administered by the nursing staff. Exceptions can be made for rescue inhalers (Albuterol) and EpiPens. Campers may carry these if we have written permission from parents and the medical provider. If your child needs to carry their rescue inhaler or epi-pen, please contact [email protected] for more information. You will need to complete the inhaler and/or epi-pen form.