Policy 3424

The board recognizes that the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis and access to opioid-related overdose reversal medication can be life-saving. To assist a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose, the district will seek to obtain and maintain at least one set of opioid overdose reversal medication doses in each of its schools.

SSB5804 amended RCW 28A.210.390 to reflect that the district  must obtain and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication (either through a standing order or prescribed) and dispensed according to RCW 69.41.095(5), through one or more donation sources. The district will seek at least one set of opioid reversal medication doses at each of its schools. However, if the district documents a good faith effort to obtain and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication through a donation source, and is unable to do so, the district is exempt from the obligation to have a set of opioid reversal medication doses for each  school. Documentation of good faith effort must be kept on file.

 The following personnel may distribute or administer the school-owned opioid overdose reversal medication to respond to symptoms of an opioid-related overdose:

• A school nurse,
• School personnel who become designated trained responders, or
• A health care professional or trained staff person located at a health care clinic on public school property or under contract with the school district.

Training for school personnel to become designated trained responders and distribute or administer opioid overdose reversal medication must meet the requirements for training described in the statute and any rules or guidelines for such training adopted by the Office of Superintendent Public Instruction. The district shall identify at least one member of each   school’s personnel to become a designated trained responder who can distribute and administer opioid overdose reversal medication.

Opioid overdose reversal medication may be used on school property, including the school building, playground, and school bus, as well as during field trips or sanctioned excursions away from school property. A school nurse or a designated trained responder may carry an appropriate supply of school-owned opioid overdose reversal medication on in-state field trips and sanctioned in-state excursions.

 Individuals who have been directly prescribed opioid overdose reversal medication according to RCW 69.41.095 lawfully possess and administer opioid overdose reversal medication, based on their personal prescription.  “Self-carrying” individuals and those who obtain opioid overdose reversal medication over-the-counter, must show proof of training  or participate in district training as specified in the accompanying procedure.

 Administration of the district’s opioid overdose reversal medication will be performed by designated, trained, district personnel as needed. However, RCW 69.41.095 allows for “any person” (including students) to lawfully possess, store, deliver, distribute, and administer an opioid overdose reversal medication that has been properly prescribed and/or authorized. The board further recognizes that: 

• incidences of opioid overdoses are increasing in communities and schools,
• naloxone is highly unlikely to cause harm if administered when not needed,
• students may carry naloxone at school in order to have access to it outside of school, and
• delay in administering naloxone for suspected overdose or delay activating emergency medical services could cause severe harm.

Therefore, neither the district nor its schools will pursue disciplinary action for students or personnel solely for possession or good faith administration of naloxone. Naloxone will not be confiscated from students.

Students who exhibit concern for the risk of overdose for themselves or others shall be counseled on the availability of behavioral health supports and instructed of the district policy and procedure for opioid overdose response, and the importance of summoning adult help and emergency services for any suspected overdose.

If any type of overdose is suspected, including an opioid related overdose, district staff will call 9-1-1 and alert emergency services. The school nurse, designated trained responder, or trained staff person located at a health care clinic on public school property or under contract with the school district will follow the Washington Department of Health steps for administering naloxone for a suspected opioid related overdose.

 

Cross References:    3416 – Medication at School

                                    3418 – Response to Student Injury or Illness

Legal References:      

RCW 69.41.095 Opioid overdose reversal medication – Standing order permitted

Chapter 69.50.315 RCW –Medical Assistance – Drug-related overdose- prosecution for possession

Chapter 28A.210 RCW – Health Screening and Requirements

Management Resources:         October 2024 Policy & Legal News

OSPI, January 2020, Opioid Related Overdose Policy Guidelines and Training in the School Setting

Essential

La Center School District

Adoption Date: April 28, 2020 Revised January 28, 2025