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 middle and high schools.

The district has authority to obtain and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication either through a standing order, prescribed and dispensed according to RCW 69.41.095(5), or through one or more donation sources. 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 middle and high school.

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. If a district middle or high school does not have a full-time school nurse or trained health care clinic staff, the district shall identify at least one member of each  middle and high 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. However, such “self-carrying” individuals must show proof of training as verified by a licensed registered professional nurse employed or contracted by the district or participate in district training as specified in the accompanying procedure.

If any type of overdose is suspected, including an opioid related overdose, district staff will call 9-1-1 and alert a first responder. 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:	Chapter 69.50.315 RCW – Drug-related overdose
	Chapter 69.50.315 RCW – Health Screening and Requirements
	Chapter 28A.210 RCW – Health Screening and Requirements

 

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

 

La Center School District Adoption Date: April 28, 2020