3416 - Medication at School

Under normal circumstances, all student medications, including both prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter) medication should be dispensed before and/or after school hours under supervision of the parent or guardian.

The District may provide for the administration of oral medication, topical medication, eye drops, ear drops, or nasal spray to students who are in the custody of the District at the time of administration in accordance with District Procedure 3416P.

The use of medications for the treatment of asthma and anaphylaxis also is addressed in District Regulation 3419 and Procedure 3419P (Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medication) and District Regulation 3420 and Procedure 3420P (Anaphylaxis Prevention).

The superintendent shall establish procedures for:

1. Delegating, training, and supervising designated school personnel in proper medication procedures;
2. Designating staff members who may administer oral medications, topical medications, eye drops, ear drops, or nasal spray to students;
3. Obtaining signed and dated parent/guardian requests and instructions for the administration of medications;
4. Obtaining requests from licensed health professionals prescribing within the scope of their prescriptive authority and instructions regarding students who require medication for more than fifteen (15) consecutive school days;
5. Storing and safekeeping medications, with special attention given to the safeguarding of legend drugs as defined in chapter 69.41 RCW;
6. Maintaining a record of the administration of medication;
7. Permitting, under limited circumstances, students to carry and self-administer medications necessary to their attendance at school; and
8. Permitting possession and self-administration of over-the-counter topical sunscreen products.

If the District decides to discontinue administering a student’s medication, the superintendent or designee must provide actual notice to the student’s parent/guardian orally or in writing prior to the discontinuance.

Medical Marijuana

Washington State law permits the use of medical marijuana and authorizes parents/guardians to administer marijuana-infused products to their students for medical purposes on school grounds, on a school bus, or while attending a school-sponsored event, if certain requirements are met. Federal law (21 U.S.C. § 811), however, prohibits the possession and use of marijuana on the premises of educational institutions that receive federal funds. District personnel will therefore not administer medical marijuana. 

The administration of medical marijuana by parents/guardians is governed by District Regulation 3423. Any use of marijuana on school grounds, on school buses, or at any District activities is prohibited, except as provided in Regulation 3423.