Authorization and administration of medication during school hours.
Policy: 3416
Section: 3000 - Students
Montesano School District #66
Medication at School
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 school-sponsored events, the parent/guardian must submit a written parental request and a written authorization form 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.
The superintendent will establish procedures for required and proper:
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 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.
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 must 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:
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. School nurses may not administer medical marijuana. See 3423 – Parental Administration of Marijuana for Medical Purposes, regarding parental administration of medical marijuana on school grounds, school bus, and school-sponsored activities.
Cross References: | 3420 - Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response |
3419 - Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications | |
3423 - Parental Administration of Marijuana for Medical Purposes | |
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: | 2018 - August 2018 - August Policy Issue |
2017 - July Policy Issue | |
2014 - February Issue | |
2012 - August Issue | |
Policy News, February 2001 Oral Medication Definition Expanded | |
Last Revised: April 24, 2025
Classification: Essential
Prior Revised Dates: 02.01; 12.11; 08.12; 02.14; 07.17; 08.18;7/1/19
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