Policy 3416

General Statement

Under normal circumstances prescription  and non-prescription over-the-counter  medication should be administered before and/or after school hours under supervision of the parent or guardian.  If a student must receive prescription or over-the-counter oral or topical medication, eye drops, ear drops or nasal spray from an authorized staff member, the parent/guardian must submit a written request accompanied by a written authorization from a licensed healthcare practitioner (LHP) prescribing within the scope of his or her prescriptive authority. The LHP must also provide current, written instructions for the administration of the medication.

The superintendent shall establish procedures for:

1. Designating staff members who may administer medication to students;
2. Training, delegation and supervision of staff members in the administration of medication to students by a  registered nurse;
3. Obtaining signed and dated parent/guardian and health professional request, authorization and instructions for the l administration of medications;
4. Storing medication in a locked or limited access area;
5. Maintaining records pertaining to the administration of medication;
6. Permitting, under limited circumstances, students to carry and self-administer medications necessary to their attendance at school; and
7. Permitting possession and self-administration of over-the-counter topical sunscreen products (See Sunscreen Section below). 

The use of injectable medication for the treatment of anaphylaxis is covered in school district policy and procedure 3419 Self-administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medication and School District Policy and Procedure 3420, Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response.

Medications including suppositories, rectal gels, or injections (other than  for the treatment of anaphylaxis) may not be administered by school staff other than by an RN, licensed practical nurse (LPN), or in some situations by a parent designated adult (PDA).

If the school 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.

Sunscreen

Over-the-counter topical sunscreen products may be possessed and used by students without a written prescription or note from a licensed health care provider if the following conditions are met:

1. The product is regulated by the US Food and Drug administration as an over-the-counter sunscreen product; and
2. If possessed by a student, the product is provided to the student by a parent/guardian.

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. Therefore, there will be no accommodation of any marijuana use on any school grounds, school bus or at any other school related activities.

Cross References:      

3420- Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response

3419- Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications

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

RCW 28A.210.278            Topical Sunscreen Products-Sun Safety Guidelines

 

Management Resources:       

2018 – August Issue

2017 – July Issue

2014 February Issue

2012 August Issue

 Policy News, February 2001 -Oral Medication Definition Expanded

 

 

La Center School District

Adoption Date: February 26^th, 2013; Revised January 22, 2019