Policy Details Page

Regulation 3416R

Each school principal, in consultation with the school Registered Nurse (RN), will authorize two staff members to administer all medications including over the counter medications. These designated staff members will receive RN delegation and training prior to the opening of school each year or prior to staff dispensing the first dose.

For purposes of this procedure, "medication" means oral medication, topical medication, eye or ear drops and single step nasal spray. This definition DOES NOT include over-the-counter topical sunscreen products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (see Sunscreen or personal hygiene items section below). Oral medications are administered by mouth either by swallowing or by inhaling and may include administration by mask if the mask covers the mouth or mouth and nose. Oral medication means any medication that can be ingested through the mouth or administered directly into a gastrostomy tube.

Medication may be dispensed to students on a scheduled basis upon written authorization from a parent with a written request by a licensed health professional prescribing within the scope of their prescriptive authority. If the medication is to be administered the written request must be accompanied by written instructions from a licensed health professional. Requests will be valid for not more than the current school year. All new orders for medication or medication order changes must be approved by the supervising RN prior to school staff administering the first dose.

All medications must be properly labeled and be contained in the original container. Individuals administering medications will:

Collect the medication directly from the parent/guardian (students should not transport medication to and from school except for medications approved by provider to self-carry. Collect a medication request and authorization form properly signed by the parent/guardian and by the LHP including instructions from the LHP
Count the medication and record the number pills or amount of liquid medication received, with initials and date received, on the medication log. It is preferable to have two people count and initial;
Counting of controlled substances at least weekly as recommended by the Board of Pharmacy. On weekly medication counts, the nurse must have assistance and a witness to the actual count of the medications, record and sign off
Store the prescription or OTC medication (ideally, not more than a twenty (20) day supply) in a locked, substantially constructed cabinet or limited access area (for emergency medications);
Maintain a current record which indicates that the medication was administered. If a dose is missed, note the reason, e.g. "absent." This record must be kept for 8 years;
Medications may not be given after the date specified on the authorization form or expiration date on the label; and
Report medication errors to the school nurse immediately.
All medication must be picked up by the parent/guardian by the last day of school at the end of the current school year. If not picked up, the medication will be discarded.

A copy of this regulation and related policy will be provided to the parent/guardian upon request for administration of medication in schools.

Medications administered, other than orally, topically, eye or ear drops, or single step nasal spray, may only be administered by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. Nasal sprays containing controlled substances may only be administered by a licensed nurse if a licensed nurse is in the building. If a licensed nurse is not in the building, single step nasal sprays may be delegated to an authorized school employee. A parent-designated adult with training as required by RCW 28A.210.260 [AH1] may also administer the medication when a nurse is not in the building. After a school employee administers a nasal spray that is a controlled substance or rescue medication, the employee must summon emergency medical assistance as soon as practicable.

No medication will be administered by injection by unlicensed school staff except when a student is susceptible to a life-threatening anaphylactic condition. The parent will submit a written statement providing employees with the authority to act according to the specific written orders and supporting directions provided by a licensed health professional prescribing within his or her prescriptive authority (e.g., medication administered to counteract a reaction to a bee sting). Such medication will be administered by employees trained by the supervising school nurse to administer such an injection.

Written orders for emergency medication, signed and dated, from the licensed health professional prescribing within his or her prescriptive authority will:

A. State that the student suffers from an allergy which may result in an anaphylactic reaction;

B. Identify the drug, the mode of administration and the dose. Epinephrine administered by
inhalation, rather than injection, may be a treatment option. This decision must be made by
the licensed health professional prescribing within his or her prescriptive authority;

C. Indicate when the injection shall be administered based on anticipated or actual symptoms

D. Recommend follow-up after administration, administration of additional medications,
transport to hospital; and

E. Specify how to report to the licensed health professional prescribing within his or her
prescriptive authority and any record keeping recommendations.

If a licensed health professional and a student's parent request that a student be permitted to carry his/or her own medication and/or be permitted to self‑administer medication, the building administrator may grant permission after consulting with the school nurse. The process for requesting and providing instructions shall be the same as established for medications. The principal and school nurse shall take into account the age, maturity and capability of the student; the nature of the medication; the circumstances under which the student will or may have to self‑administer the medication and other issues relevant in the specific case before authorizing a student to carry and/or self‑administer medication at school. Except in the case of multi‑dose devices (like asthma inhalers), students shall only carry one day’s supply of medication at a time. Violations of any condition placed on the student permitted to carry and/or self‑administer his or her own medication may result in termination of that permission, as well as the imposition of discipline as appropriate.

Parent-Designated Adult Care of Students with Epilepsy or Diabetes
The policy and procedure for parent designated adults caring for students with epilepsy or students with diabetes are:
• 3411 – Accommodating Students with Seizure Disorders or Epilepsy
• 3422 – Accommodating Students with Diabetes

Personal Hygiene Items
The District acknowledges that personal hygiene items (examples: hand lotion, lip balm, deodorant, hand sanitizers, , cosmetics, shampoo .…etc.) are self-managed and typically not considered medication, however for the safety and well-being of students, parents/guardians and employees, a parental note may be required for such items to be at school, which may include the process for medication administration per Medication Policy 3416 if employees are being requested to administer or apply.

Sunscreen
Over-the-counter topical sunscreen products may be possessed and used by students, parents, and school staff, without a written prescription or note from a licensed health care provider, if the following conditions are met:
A. The product is regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter sunscreen product; and
B. If possessed by a student, the product is provided to the student by their parent or guardian.

Violations of any conditions placed on the student permitted to carry and/or self-administer his or her own sunscreen products may result in confiscation and termination of that permission, as well as the imposition of discipline when appropriate.

School staff may assist students in application of sunscreen products in certain circumstances and in the presence of another staff member. The appropriate staff member will take into account the age, maturity, and capability of the student, the need for the application of the sunscreen, and other issues relevant in the specific case, before assisting students in application of sunscreen products at school or during school-sponsored events. However, staff members are not required to assist students in applying sunscreen.

Medical Marijuana
Washington State law (RCW 69.51A.060) permits the use of medical marijuana, however, federal law (Title IV-Part A—Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities and the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) (21 U.S.C. § 811) prohibits the possession and use of marijuana on the premises of recipients of federal funds including educational institutions. School staff may not administer medical marijuana.

Approval Date: 2/13/2001
Revised Date: 5/25/2017 and 10/15/2024

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