Policy Details Page

Policy No. 3416
Students

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Under normal circumstances, prescribed medication and over-the-counter medication should be dispensed before and/or after school hours under the supervision of the parent or guardian.

If a student must receive prescribed or over-the-counter oral or topical medication, eye drops or ear drops (“medications”) 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. Oral
medications are administered by mouth either by swallowing or by inhaling, including through a mask that covers the mouth or mouth and nose. If the medication will be administered for more than fifteen consecutive days, the licensed health professional must also provide written, current, and unexpired instructions for the administration of the medication.

The superintendent shall establish procedures for:

• Delegating, training and supervision of staff members in the administration of prescribed or over-the-counter medication to students by a physician or registered nurse;
• Designating staff members who may administer prescribed or over-the-counter medication to students;
• Obtaining signed and dated parental and licensed health professional request for the dispensing of prescribed or over-the-counter medications, including instructions from the licensed health professional if the medication is to be given for more than fifteen days;
• Storing prescribed or over-the-counter medication in a locked or limited access facility; and
• Maintaining records pertaining to the administration of prescribed or over-thecounter medication.
• 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 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.

Medications other than oral or topical medications, eye drops or ear drops (such as 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 must be a valid reason for the discontinuance that does not compromise the health of the student or violate legal protections for the disabled.

Cross References:

Policy 3419 Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications
Policy 3420 Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.210.260 Administration of Oral Medication by--Conditions
• RCW 28A.210.270 Administration of Oral Medication by--Immunity from Liability Discontinuance, ProcedureAttorney General Memorandum (2/9/89)-Administration of Medication

Management Resources:

• Policy News, August 2012
• Policy News, February 2001 Oral Medication Definition Expanded
• OSPI Bulletin - Orientation Level Training for School Employees Who Administer Oral Medications to Student, August 2001
• http://www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/pubdocs/oral_medications_training_manual.pdf

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Adoption Date: 6/22/00
Revised: 3/19/01
Revised: 4/24/14