Medication Administration Training (MAT)
A state law regarding the administration of medications in child care programs became effective on January 31, 2005. The law pertains to the administration of medications in the following child care programs:
- Registered family child care providers and school age child care programs
- Licensed group family child care providers and child care centers
- Legally exempt caregivers who provide state subsidized care and choose to administer medications in a home that is not the child's home
Child care programs wishing to give medications must:
- Have staff complete and receive certification in the 8-hour Medication Administration Training (MAT).
- Have staff complete CPR and First Aid.
- Each program must also have a Health Care Consultant to review and approve their health care plan.
- Family Child Care and School-Age Child Care health care plans must be approved by your Registrar (SLCCC).
- Child Care Center and Group Family Child Care health care plans must be approved by your licensor from the NYS Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS).
A child care program MAY NOT administer medications until all of the tasks listed above have been completed and documented
A few things to know about administering medications:
- All medication falls under this new law with the exception of over the counter topical ointments, sunscreen, and topically applied insect repellent.
- Parents will be asked by their child's program to have a medical provider fill out an NYS Office of Children & Family Services medication consent form or an approved equivalent in order to give the child medication.
- If the child's program is not approved to give medications, by law, they cannot administer the medication. In this case only a parent or relative with 3rd degree of consanguinity will be required to give the medication.
For more information regarding the NYS Office of Children & Family Services requirements for Medication Administration visit the Provider Medication Administration Resource Information page of their website.
Attention: Parents and Child Care Providers
Administering medications to young children is a serious matter that can have unintended consequences. If you have questions about Medications Administration contact Katy Pinkerton at (315) 393-6474 Ext. 17
