General Statement

Under normal circumstances, all student medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, should be administered before and/or after school hours under supervision of the parent/guardian. When it is necessary for a student to receive prescription or OTC oral medication, topical medication, eye drops, ear drops or nasal spray at school or at a school-sponsored event, the parent/guardian must submit a written parental request and a written authorization form from a licensed health care provider (LHP), prescribing within the scope of his or her prescriptive authority. Oral medications are administered by mouth either by swallowing or inhaling including through a mask that covers the mouth or mouth and nose. 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.

Exception to the General Statement

Over-the-counter (OTC) topical sunscreen products may be possessed and used by students, parents/guardians, and school staff without a written prescription or note from a LHP 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. Students may not share sunscreen with other students. Parents/guardians should write their child’s name on the sunscreen container. Only rub-on sunscreen is permitted; spray sunscreen is not allowed.

Procedures

The superintendent shall establish procedures for:

A.   Designating staff members who may administer medication to students;

B.   Training, delegation, and supervision of staff members in the administration of medication to students by a registered nurse (RN), including oral medication, topical medication, eye drops, ear drops, and/or nasal spray;

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

D.   Transporting medications to and from school;

E.   Storing medication in a locked or limited access area;

F.    Labeling medication;

G.   Administering of medication, including identification of student and medication;

H.   Documenting administration of medication, including errors, reactions, or side effects;

I.     Disposing of medications;

J.    Maintaining records pertaining to the administration of medication;

K.   Maintaining student confidentiality;

L.    Permitting, as appropriate, possession and self-administration of medications necessary for attendance;

M.  Permitting possession and self-administration of over-the-counter topical sunscreen products. (See Sunscreen Section above); and

N.   Reviewing and evaluating medication practices and documentation.

School District Policy and Procedure 3419 – Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medication and School District Policy and Procedure 3420 – Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response govern the use of injectable medication for the treatment of anaphylaxis.

Except for limited situations, no school staff other than a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) may administer suppositories, rectal gels, or injections (except for emergency injections for students with anaphylaxis, as stated 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). In some situations, a parent designated adult (PDA) may administer certain injections.

In such an instance, the parent shall submit a written and signed permission statement. Such an authorization shall be supported by signed and dated written orders accompanied by supporting directions from the licensed health professional. A PDA is a volunteer who may be a school district employee who receives additional training from a healthcare professional or expert in the specific area of student need, selected by the parent/guardian, and who provides care for the student consistent with the individual health plan.

To be eligible to be a PDA, a school district employee, not licensed under RCW 18.79 must file, without coercion by the employer, a voluntary written, current, unexpired letter of intent stating the employee’s willingness to be a PDA. If the school district employee chooses not to be a PDA, the employee shall not be subject to any employer reprisal or disciplinary action. PDA training may be provided by a diabetic educator who is nationally certified. PDA’s who are not school employees must show evidence of comparable training and follow the district’s volunteer policy and procedures. The school’s RN is not responsible for the supervision of the PDA for those procedures that are authorized by the parent/guardian, however; the RN is still responsible for the overall plan of care.

Discontinuing Medication:

If the school decides to discontinue administering a student’s medication, the superintendent or designee must provide notice to the student’s parent/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 students with disabilities.

District Cross Reference:
Accommodating Students with Seizure Disorders or Epilepsy - Policy 3411

Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications - Policy 3419
Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response - Policy 3420

WSSDA Cross References:
Medication at School - Policy 3416 (July 2019 issue)

Legal Reference:
Administration of Oral Medications - Conditions - RCW 28A.210.260

Administration of Oral Medication – Immunization from Liability – RCW 28A.210.270

 

Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: August 1985
Revised by the Board: 9.90, 3.92, 7.03, 2.09, 12.12, 11.17, 10.19, 8.22
Classification: Priority