Register2024-25 Open Enrollment and Kindergarten Registration Opens April 10, 2024    Enrollment Info | Kindergarten Info

A+ A A-

Search Policies & Procedures

3416 - Medication at School

BOARD POLICY No. 3416

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

General Statement
Under normal circumstances, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) 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 medications, eye drops, ear drops, or nasal sprays from an authorized staff member, the parent/guardian must submit a written authorization accompanied by a written request from a licensed healthcare practitioner (LHP) prescribing within the scope of his or her prescriptive authority. If the medication will be administered for more than fifteen consecutive days the LHP must also provide written, current and unexpired instructions for the administration of the medication to be given at school.

 

The superintendent shall establish procedures for:
A. Training and supervision of staff members in the administration of oral medication to students by a registered nurse (RN);

 

B. Delegating trained staff members who may administer medication to students;

 

C. Obtaining signed and dated parent/guardian and LHP request and authorization for the administration of medications, including instructions from the LHP if the medication is to be given for more than fifteen (15) days;

 

D. Storing prescribed or over the counter medication in a locked or limited access area;

 

E. Maintaining records pertaining to the administration of medication;

 

F. Permitting, under limited circumstances, students to carry and self-administer medications necessary to their attendance at school; and

 

G. 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 (except for emergency injections for students with anaphylaxis, that 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) may not be administered by school staff other than a RN, a licensed practical nurse (LPN), or in some situations by a parent designated adult (PDA).

 

If the district 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, parent/guardians, 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 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:
Policy 3419 - Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications
Policy 3420 - Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response

 

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

 

Management Resources:
Policy News, August 2012 "Medication" Definition
Policy News, February 2001 Oral Medication Definition Expanded 98.10.02 OSPI bulleting reviews medication issues

 

Adopted: July 16, 2002
Revised: February 19, 2019

 

WALLA WALLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS • 364 South Park St. • Walla Walla, WA 99362 • Phone: 509-527-3000 • Fax: 509.529.7713

Vector Solutions - Vector Alert Safe Schools Tip Line: 855.976.8772  |  Online Tip Reporting System