Durham Student Health Clinic

Meet the Durham Clinic Team

Health Appointment Policies and Procedures

1. Scheduling & Walk-ins
   • No Walk-ins: The Clinic does not accept walk-in appointments except for emergencies (e.g., anaphylactic shock, heavy bleeding, or respiratory distress).
   • Booking an appointment: Please sign up for the earliest available appointment. If no slots are open before the class you need excused, book the next available slot for that same day. 
   • Timing: You must schedule your appointment before or during the classes you wish to have excused. Delaying your request may result in a denial of a medical excuse. 
2. Medical Excuses
   • Discretionary Policy: Being seen at the Clinic does not guarantee a class excuse. Practitioners will use their professional discretion based on symptoms, clinical findings, and appointment outcomes.
   • After-Hours: We cannot excuse classes after hours if you did not seek medical attention or contact the Clinic during operating hours.
3.  If Appointments are Full or Missed
   • Full Schedule: If no appointments remain for the day, email the Clinic immediately with your symptoms and cell phone number. We will contact you as soon as a provider is available.
   • Missed Appointments: If you miss your scheduled time, you must email the Clinic with your cell phone number to explain the absence and request a reschedule.
4. After-Hours Care
   • If you require medical attention when the Clinic is closed, please contact your Community Coordinator (CC) or go directly to the Bryan Desk.

Medication Policy and Instructions

Students may keep over-the-counter medications in their rooms for their personal use (i.e. pain relievers, cold medications, stomach remedies, herbal remedies, vitamins etc.). NCSSM assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of such medications.

Prescription medications and Form F

All residential students at NCSSM must document all prescription medications to the Student Health Clinic by completing Form F page 2 and report any new prescription medications to the clinic during the school year. Failure to document/report prescription medications may result in disciplinary action.

Students may keep their own prescription medications in their room except for the following categories which must be retained and distributed by the clinic in weekly dose packs.

• Antidepressants (Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Wellbutrin)

• Antipsychotics (Abilify, Risperdal)

• Anxiolytic - i.e. Klonopin, Ativan, Xanax)

• Stimulants (i.e. Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, Vyvanse)

• Narcotics* (i.e.Tylenol#3, Percocet) see *Narcotic Management Plan below

Retention & distribution of medications in the clinic

The medications listed above must be retained and distributed by the Student Health Clinic. NCSSM reserves the right to require clinic distribution for other prescriptions as needed.

• Documentation: To ensure the safety and accuracy of the medications, the following 2 forms must accompany all medications turned into the clinic:

  • Parental Consent and Authorization Form F page 2: Required for each individual prescription submitted once unless changes in medication, dose or timing.

  • Student Prescription Medication Inventory: This form (to be shared with students before arrival) must be completed and submitted every time medication is dropped off at the Clinic.

• When the clinic is closed: all medications and required documentation must be dropped off in the designated clinic safe accompanied by security and/or the on-call administrator. 

Packaging of retained medications requirements 

All medications turned in to the clinic must be in 4 weekly dose packs prior to your arrival at the clinic

• Pharmacy blister packs - We strongly encourage using pre-packaged weekly blister packs from your local pharmacy. One local pharmacy is Gurley's Pharmacy (who delivers to the school) see information attached.

• Weekly Pill Organizers - If a pharmacy pack is unavailable, medications must be prepared in a slim, rectangular weekly pill organizer labeled with the student’s name, medication name, and dosage instructions. No circular pack or large rectangular packs allowed

*Narcotics Management Plan

The student should only return to school if able to manage their pain with over the counter medications during the day and possibly one narcotic medication at night. The clinic will distribute one dose daily to the student. 

Additional Notes : 

Students are responsible for their own course of treatment and remembering to pick up medications. At no time should a student have more than a week's worth of medication (psychotropics or stimulants) in their possession or 1 daily dose of narcotic.

Misuse, abuse, selling, or giving properly prescribed medications to others is strictly prohibited and a violation of the NCSSM Code of Student Conduct.  Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. NCSSM assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of such medications.Any questions regarding a student's prescribed medication are to be directed to dur.clinic@ncssm.edu.