Policy Details Page

Policy 3416
Students

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PURPOSE
The purpose of Policy 3416 is to promote student health and safety by establishing consistent practices across the District for the administration and delegation of medication at school. The Board recognizes the diverse cultural backgrounds and health needs of students and is committed to providing equitable care for all. 
 

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL AND DELEGATION OF MEDICINE 
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, ear drops, or single step nasal sprays (“medications”) from an authorized staff member, the parent must submit a written authorization accompanied by a written request from a Licensed Health Professional (LHP) prescribing within the scope of their 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.  An LHP must provide written, current, and unexpired instructions for the administration of the medication.

The Superintendent or their designee shall establish procedures for:  

A.    Designating staff members who may administer medication to students; 
B.    Training, delegation, and supervision of staff members in the administration of medication to students by a school nurse, including oral medication, topical medication, eye drops, ear drops, and/or single dose nasal spray; 
C.    Obtaining signed and dated parent/guardian and LHP request and authorization for the administration of medications, including instructions from the LHP
D.    Transporting medications to and from school; 
E.    Storing medication in a locked or limited access area;
F.     Labeling medication;
G.    Administering of medication, including identification of student and medication;
H.    Documenting administration of medication, including errors, reactions, or side effects;
I.     Disposing of medications; 
J.    Maintaining and protecting student records pertaining to the prescription and administration of medication;
K.    Maintaining student confidentiality, including under requirements described in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
L.    Permitting, as appropriate, possession and self-administration of medications necessary for student school attendance;  
M.    Permitting possession and self-administration of over-the-counter topical medication; 
N.    Sunscreen application and/or delegation; and
O.    Reviewing and evaluating of medication practices and documentation.

Except for limited situations, no school staff other than a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) may administer suppositories, rectal gels, or injections (except for emergency injections for students with anaphylaxis). Policies governing the administration of medication by a Parent Designated Adult (PDA) can be found in Policies 3411 and 3422.

Medications other than oral or topical/transdermal medications, eye drops, ear drops, single step multidose nasal sprays, and emergency injections for students with anaphylaxis via an epinephrine autoinjector may not be administered by school staff other than registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. 

If a school decides to discontinue administering a student’s medication, the Superintendent or designee must provide notice to the student’s parent/ guardian 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 students with a disability.

Cross References:    
Policy 1600 – Anti-Racism 
Policy 3411 – Accommodating Students With Seizure Disorder or Epilepsy
Policy 3420 – Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response
Policy 3422 – Accommodating Students with Diabetes

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, Procedure
                                     Attorney 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: 6/22/2000
Revised Date: 3/19/2001, 4/24/2014 and 10/10/2024