For the safety of all students, it is
highly recommend that all medications be
stored securely at school and
administered by trained staff. This is
especially true for elementary aged
students.
However, at times, parent/guardian may thoughtfully decide that their
child is able to carry one day’s dosage
of their medication (see requirements
below). The student must be able to self
administer without any assistance or
reminder. The building
principal/designee has the right to
further restrict medications that are
self-carried in their buildings.
The following requirements must
be met if oral medication is carried
by a student:
Only one day’s dosage may be carried unless as in the
case of inhalers, such a request is
impossible.
If a student will be carrying medication they must also
have a note in their possession from
their parent/guardian, authorizing them
to carry and self administer medication
at school. One note can be used to
cover an entire week/ month/year for
medication use “as needed”.
The note must contain the following:
a.
Date(s) the student will be carrying the
medication
b.
The name of the medication
c.
Parent signature and parent contact
information
d.
Licensed Health Care Provider’s name and
contact info
If a student is observed self-administering medication
without the above requirements being
met, school nurse, principal and
parent/guardian contact is required and
the medication will be taken to the
school office for safe keeping.
Any student that is not using their medication responsibly
may lose the privilege to carry
medication.
Special requirements concerning “rescue”
medications for Asthma/Anaphylaxis and
for students with Type I Diabetes:
Students with Asthma or Anaphylaxis are guaranteed the
right to carry their emergency
medications with them if their Licensed
Health Provider, school nurse and
parent/guardian agree (RCW 28A.210.370).
All students carrying inhalers and
Epi-pens® must have a medication
request form completed and on file in
the school office. Furthermore, they
must have been trained in the use of the
device by their LHP and demonstrate
proper technique to the school nurse.
Students with diabetes are guaranteed the right to carry
insulin and all the necessary supplies
for administration of their insulin.
They are also allowed to carry emergency
snacks, glucose tablets, water bottles
and to use the bathroom whenever
needed. Students have the right to test
and treat in the classroom. (RCW
28A.210.330)