Policy 3416

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

Under normal circumstances prescribed oral medication and oral over the counter medication should be dispensed before and/or after school hours under supervision of the parent or guardian. Oral medications are administered by mouth either by swallowing or inhaling including through a mask that covers the mouth or mouth and nose.

If a student must receive prescribed or non-prescribed oral medication from an authorized staff member, the parent must submit a written authorization accompanied by a written request from a licensed health professional prescribing within the scope of his or her prescriptive authority. If the medication will be administered for more than fifteen consecutive days, the health professional must also provide written, current and unexpired instructions for the administration of the medication.

The superintendent shall establish procedures for:

A. Training and supervision of staff members in the administration of prescribed or non-prescribed oral medication to students by a physician or registered nurse;

B. Designating staff members who may administer prescribed or non-prescribed oral medication to students;

C. Obtaining signed and dated parental and health professional request for the dispensing of prescribed or

D. Non-prescribed oral medications, including instructions from health professional if the medication is to be given for more than fifteen days;

E. Storing prescribed or non-prescribed medication in a locked or limited access facility; and

F. Maintaining records pertaining to the administration of prescribed or non-prescribed oral medication.

G. Permitting, under limited circumstances, students to carry and self-administer medications necessary to their attendance at school.

No medication shall be administered by injection except when a student is susceptible to a predetermined, life-endangering situation. In such an instance, the parent shall submit a written and signed permission statement. Such an authorization shall be supported by signed and dated written orders accompanied by supporting directions from the licensed health professional. A staff member shall be trained prior to injecting a medication.

Medications administered by routes other than oral (ointments, drops, nasal inhalers, suppositories or non-emergency injections may not be administered by school staff other than registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.

If the district decides to discontinue administering a student’s medication, the superintendent or designee must provide notice to the student’s parent or guardian orally and in writing prior to the discontinuance. There shall be a valid reason for the discontinuance that does not compromise the health of the student or violate legal protections for the disabled.

Legal References: RCW 28A.210.260 Administration of Oral Medication by – Conditions

RCW 28A.210.270 Administration of Oral Medication by – Immunity from Liability

Attorney General Memorandum (2/9/89) – Administration of Medication

Management Resources:

Policy News, February 2001 Oral Medication Definition Expanded

Adoption Date: February 27, 2006