3416 Medication at School
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
Under normal circumstances prescribed or non-prescribed medication should be dispensed before and/or after school hours under supervision of the parent or guardian. If a student must receive prescribed or over the counter oral or topical medication, eye drops, ear drops or nasal spray (“medications”) from an authorized staff member due to a valid health reason which makes administration of the medication advisable during the hours when school is in session or the hours in which the student is under the supervision of school officials, the parent must submit 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 (15) consecutive days, the health professional must also provide written, current and unexpired instructions for the administration of the medication.
The superintendent will establish procedures for:
A. Training and supervision of staff members in the administration of prescribed or non-prescribed 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 licensed health professional requests for the dispensing of prescribed or non-prescribed medications, including instructions from the licensed health care professional if the medication is to be given for more than fifteen (15) days;
D. Storing prescribed or non-prescribed medication in a locked or limited access facility;
E. Maintaining records pertaining to the administration of prescribed or non-prescribed oral medications; and
F. Permitting, under limited circumstances, students to carry and self-administer medications necessary to their attendance at school.
Nasal inhalers, suppositories and non-emergency injections may not be administered by school staff other than registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. No medication will be administered by injection by school staff except when a student is susceptible to a predetermined, life-endangering situation [See Policy 3420, Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response]. In such an instance, the parent will submit a written and signed permission statement. Such an authorization will be supported by signed and dated written orders accompanied by supporting directions from the licensed health professional. A staff member will be trained prior to injecting a medication.
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 must be a valid reason for the discontinuance that does not compromise the health of the student or violate legal protections for the disabled.
Administration of legend (prescribed) drugs or controlled substances by nasal spray
If a school nurse is on the premises, he/she may administer a nasal spray containing a prescribed drug or controlled substance to a student. If a school nurse is not on school premises, a nasal spray containing a legend (prescribed) drug or controlled substance may be administered by: 1) a trained school employee, provided that person has received appropriate RN delegation and volunteered for the training pursuant to RCW 28A.210.260; or 2) a parent-designated adult.
A parent designated adult is a volunteer, who may be a school district employee, who receives additional training from a healthcare professional or expert in epileptic seizure care selected by the parents who provides care for the student consistent with the student’s individual health plan on file with the school.
Required Notification of EMS
After every administration of any legend (prescribed) drug or controlled substance by nasal spray to a student, Emergency Medical Services (911) will be summoned as soon as practicable.
Legal References:
- RCW 28A.210.260 Public and private schools -Administration of Medication - Conditions
- RCW 28A.210.270 Public and private schools - Administration of medication - Immunity from liability – Discontinuance, procedure
Management Resources:
- 2014 – February Issue
- 2012 – August Issue
- Policy News, February 2001 Oral Medication Definition Expanded
Stanwood-Camano School District
Revised: 05.19.15, 09.05.17