3424 – Opioid-Related Overdose Reversal
The board recognizes that the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis and access to opioid-related overdose reversal medication can be lifesaving. To assist a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose, the NWESD 189 will seek to obtain and maintain at least one set of opioid overdose reversal medication doses in each of its cooperative programs.
SSB 5804 amended RCW 28A.210.390, the NWESD 189 must obtain and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication either through a standing order, prescribed and dispensed according to RCW 69.41.095(5), or through one or more donation sources. The NWESD 189 will seek at least one set of opioid reversal medication doses for each of its cooperative programs. However, if the NWESD 189 documents a good faith effort to obtain and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication through a donation source, and is unable to do so, the NWESD is exempt from the obligation to have a set of opioid reversal medication doses for each cooperative program. Documentation of good faith effort must be kept on file.
The following personnel may distribute or administer the cooperative program-owned opioid overdose reversal medication to respond to symptoms of an opioid-related overdose:
- A NWESD 189 nurse,
- Cooperative program personnel who become designated trained responders, or
- A health care professional or trained staff person located at a health care clinic on cooperative program property or under contract with the NWESD 189.
Training for cooperative program personnel to become designated trained responders and distribute or administer opioid overdose reversal medication must meet the requirements for training described in the statute and any rules or guidelines for such training adopted by the Office of Superintendent Public Instruction The NWESD 189 shall identify at least one member of each cooperative program’s personnel to become a designated trained responder who can distribute and administer opioid overdose reversal medication.
Opioid overdose reversal medication may be used on cooperative program property, including the facility, playground, and school bus, as well as during field trips or sanctioned excursions away from the cooperative program property. An NWESD 189 nurse or designated trained responder may carry an appropriate supply of cooperative program-owned opioid overdose reversal medication on in-state field trips and sanctioned in-state excursions.
Individuals who have been directly prescribed opioid overdose reversal medication according to RCW 69.41.095 lawfully possess and administer opioid overdose reversal medication, based on their personal prescription. However, such “self-carrying” individuals and those who obtain opioid overdose reversal medication over-the-counter must show proof of training as verified by a licensed registered professional nurse employed or contracted by the NWESD 189 or participate in NWESD 189 training as specified in the accompanying procedure.
Administration of the NWESD 189’s opioid overdose reversal medication will be performed by designated, trained, NWESD 189 personnel as needed. However, “RCW 69.41.095 allows for “any person” (including students) to lawfully possess, store, deliver, distribute, and administer an opioid overdose reversal medication that has been properly prescribed and/or authorized. The board further recognizes that:
- incidences of opioid overdoses are increasing in communities and schools,
- naloxone is highly unlikely to cause harm if administered when not needed,
- students may carry naloxone at school in order to have access to it outside of school, and
- delay in administering naloxone for suspected overdose or delay activating emergency medical services could cause severe harm.
Therefore, neither the NWESD 189 nor its cooperative programs will pursue disciplinary action for students or personnel solely for possession or good faith administration of naloxone. Naloxone will not be confiscated from students.
Students who exhibit concern for the risk of overdose for themselves or others shall be counseled on the availability of behavioral health supports and instructed of the NWESD 189 policy and procedure for opioid overdose response, and the importance of summoning adult help and emergency services for any suspected overdose.
If any type of overdose is suspected, including an opioid-related overdose, NWESD 189 staff will call 9-1-1 and alert emergency services. The NWESD 189 nurse, designated trained responder, or trained staff person located at a health care clinic on cooperative program property or under contract with the NWESD 189 will follow the Washington Department of Health steps for administering naloxone for a suspected opioid-related overdose.
First Reading: 05/23/2022
Second Reading: 06/21/2022
Revised: 02/24/2025
Reference:
RCW 28A.210
RCW 69.50.315
Cross Reference:
3418 – Response to Student Injury or Illness
3416 – Medication at School
Date Revised: 02/24/25