3416-P – Student Medications Procedures
Each cooperative program site administrator, in consultation with the NWESD 189 Registered Nurse (RN), will authorize two (2) staff members to administer all medications including over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These designated staff members will receive RN delegation and training prior to the opening of school each year.
For purposes of this procedure, “medication” means oral medication, topical medication, eye drops, and ear drops. This definition does not include over-the-counter topical sunscreen products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (see Sunscreen section below). Oral medications are administered by mouth either by swallowing or by inhaling and may include administration by mask if the mask covers the mouth or mouth and nose.
Medication may be dispensed to students referred by member districts for NWESD 189 cooperative program placement on a scheduled basis upon written authorization from a parent/guardian with a written request by a licensed health care professional prescribing within the scope of his/her prescriptive authority. If the medication is to be administered more than fifteen (15) consecutive days, the written request must be accompanied by written instructions from a licensed health professional. Requests will be valid for not more than the current year. All new orders for medication or medication order changes must be approved by the supervising RN prior to school staff administering the first dose.
All medications must be properly labeled and be contained in the original container. Individuals administering medications will:
A) Collect the medication directly from the parent/guardian (students should not transport medication to and from school except for medications needed for the treatment of medical emergencies). Collect a medication request and authorization form properly signed by the parent/guardian and by the LHP including instructions from the LHP if the medication is to be administered for more than fifteen consecutive days.
B) Count the medication and record the number pills or amount of liquid medication received, with initials and date received, on the medication log. It is preferable to have two people count and initial; Counting of controlled substances at least weekly as recommended by the Board of Pharmacy. On weekly medication counts, the nurse must have assistance and a witness to the actual count of the medications.
C) Store the prescription or OTC medication (not more than a twenty (20) day supply) in a locked, substantially constructed cabinet or limited access area (for emergency medications);
D) Maintain a current record that indicates that the medication was administered. If a dose is missed, note the reason, e.g. “absent.” This record must be kept for 8 years;
E) Medications may not be given after the date specified on the authorization form or expiration date on the label.
F) Report medication errors to the program nurse immediately.
Provide for delegation, training, and supervision by a physician or registered nurse. A copy of the medication policy will be provided to the parent/guardian upon request.
Pursuant to RCW 28A.210.270, if the NWESD 189 substantially complies with the written orders for medication, it is immune from any civil liability as a result of the administration of the medication.
Oral or topical medications, eye drops, ear drops, or nasal spray may be administered by a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, or designated staff who are delegated to, trained, and supervised by the RN.
Nasal sprays containing controlled substances may only be administered by a school nurse if a school nurse is in the building. If a school nurse is not in the building, the task may be delegated to an authorized school employee. A parent-designated adult with training as required by RCW 28A.210.260[AH1] may also administer the medication when a nurse is not in the building. After a school employee who is not a school nurse administers a nasal spray that is a controlled substance, the employee must summon emergency medical assistance as soon as practicable except in instances when the administration of the nasal spray occurs routinely as documented in the emergency care plan signed by parent or guardian and LHP.
No medication will be administered by injection by unlicensed school staff except when a student is susceptible to a life-threatening anaphylactic condition consistent with Policy and Procedure 3419 – Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications and Policy and Procedure 3420 – Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response when acting as a parent designated adult for students with diabetes, or when acting as designated trained responder for opioid overdose reversal medication administration.
The parent/guardian will submit a written authorization to act according to the specific written orders and supporting directions provided by a licensed health professional prescribing within his/her prescriptive authority (e.g., medication administered to counteract a reaction to an insect sting). Such medication will be administered by staff trained by the supervisory registered nurse to administer such an injection.
Written orders for emergency medication, signed and dated, from the licensed health professional prescribing within his/her prescriptive authority will:
A) State that the student suffers from a health condition that may result in an emergency;
B) Identify the drug, the mode of administration, and the dose;
C) Indicate when the medication will be administered based on anticipated or actual symptoms;
D) Recommend follow-up after administration, administration of additional medications, transport to the hospital; and
E) Specify how to report to the health professional prescribing within his or her prescriptive authority and any record keeping recommendations.
Sunscreen
Over-the-counter topical sunscreen products may be possessed and used by students, parents, and program staff, without a written prescription or note from a licensed health care provider, if the following conditions are met:
- The product is regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter sunscreen product; and
- If possessed by a student, the product is provided to the student by his/her parent or guardian.
Students who possess over-the-counter topical sunscreen products that meet the above criteria may carry up to eight (8) ounces at a time, preferably with the container in a plastic bag.
Violations of any conditions placed on the student permitted to carry and/or self-administer his/her own sunscreen products may result in confiscation and termination of that permission, as well as the imposition of discipline when appropriate.
Program staff may assist students in the application of sunscreen products in certain circumstances and in the presence of another staff member. The appropriate staff member will take into account the age, maturity, and capability of the student, the need for the application of the sunscreen, and other issues relevant to the specific case, before assisting students in the application of sunscreen products at the program site or during program-sponsored events. However, staff members are not required to assist students in applying sunscreen.
The NWESD 189 may provide education to students regarding sun safety guidelines.
Parent-Designated Adult Care of Students with Adrenal Insufficiency, Epilepsy, or Diabetes
The policy and procedure for parent designated adults caring for students with adrenal insufficiency, epilepsy, or students with diabetes are:
• 3411 – Accommodating Students with Seizure Disorders or Epilepsy
• 3415 – Accommodating Students with Diabetes
• 3425 – Accommodating Students with Adrenal Insufficiency
Presented to Board: 02/26/92 (as 6430)
Reviewed: 03/25/92 (as 6430)
Revised: 04/25/01 (recodified 3416-P)
Revised: 10/24/12
Revised: 03/26/14
Revised: 08/16/17
Revised: 11/15/21
Revised: 03/28/22
Revised: 10/27/25
Date Revised: 10/27/25