Oral Medication at School

Under normal circumstances prescribed medication should be dispensed before and/or after school hours under the supervision of the parent or guardian.

Medication is defined as all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs/medications, nutritional supplements and remedies.

The oral medication statute requires a written, current and unexpired request from an approved licensed practitioner for the administration of oral medication at school by non-nurse school staff. The statute also requires a request accompanied by authorization from the parent or guardian.

The superintendent shall establish procedures for:

1. Designating staff members who may administer prescribed oral medications to students,
2. Training and supervision of staff members in the administration of prescribed oral medication by a registered nurse,
3. Receiving a parental or guardian request for the dispensing of prescribed oral medications including a signed and dated request with instructions from a licensed approved practitioner as specified in RCW 28A.210.260 and 270,
4. Storing and tracking medication to meet state and federal regulations,
5. Maintaining records pertaining to the administration of prescribed oral medications,
6. District discontinuance of student medication, and,
7. Student self-administration of medication.

No medication shall be administered by injection except when a student is susceptible to a predetermined, singular, life endangering, emergency situation.

Current practice codified 1988

Adopted:
5/7/90

Revised:
11/20/00

LEGAL REFS.:
RCW 28A.31.150 RCW 28A.31.155

CROSS REFS.:
Immunization of Students (JHCA/JHCB)
SPI Bulletin No. 31-98
WSSDA No. 3416