Since schools bring large numbers of students and staff together, prudence dictates that-as in any workplace-a system must be in place to deal with such issues as first aid, medical emergencies, and detection of contagious conditions that could spread a group situation. Unlike other workplaces, however, a system must also be established in schools to provide routine administration of medications, since students especially young students-may not be able to assume this responsibility themselves, and concern for substance abuse has led to policies in most schools that prohibit older students from administrating their own medication. Laws pertaining to special education students2 require that schools provide the services necessary for these students to receive an appropriate education. Such services might include monitoring vital signs, changing dressings, catheterization, tube feeding, or administering oxygen. The school must also provide services to non-special education students with chronic health problems-such as asthma,diabetes, and seizures-in order thatthey can beeducated. Schools have little orno choice in providing such services, for they are dictated either by legislative mandateorby precautions pertaining to risk and liability.