Medication at Schools

If your student will be taking any medication at school, you must confer with the school nurse.

The Northshore School District recommends that medication be taken at home whenever possible. We recognize, however, that in some cases it is essential that medication be administered during the school day. 

For the protection of all the students and to comply with Washington state law, the district has a policy and procedures in place for the handling of ALL medications in the schools. For school events that occur outside of school hours (e.g. extended field trips and athletic events) parents/guardians are responsible for providing all medications.

Please do not put any kind of medicine, including Tylenol, vitamins, and cough drops in your child's lunch box, backpack or pockets. 

Unidentified medicine can never be given at school.

School Staff Administered

The following conditions must be met:

  • All medications, whether over-the-counter (except sunscreen) or prescription, need a current Northshore Authorization for Medication Form signed by the student's Health Care Provider and parent/guardian.  The Authorization for Medication form must be completed for the CURRENT school year.  For the school year beginning in September 2024, the Authorization for Medication needs to be signed and dated by the parent and Health Care Provider on July 1, 2024 or later.
  • Medication must be delivered to school in a properly labeled prescription or original over-the-counter container. The student's name must be on the label with proper identification of the drug, dosage, and directions for administration.
  • A quantity sufficient for no more than one month can be sent to school.
  • The medication order is effective for the current school year only.
  • If changes in the medication order occur, the parent is responsible for notifying the school and providing verification from the Health Care Provider.
  • Field Trips: For students on daily medication, request an extra labeled empty bottle from your pharmacy that can be used for field trips.

Self-Administered

The following conditions must be met:

In appropriate cases and with the knowledge of the school nurse, the parent/guardian can delegate the responsibility for self-administration of medication to the student. In doing so, the parent releases the school district from any obligation to monitor the student and assumes full responsibility for the student's use of the medication.

  • Self-Administration does not apply to controlled substances e.g codeine, Vicodin
  • The student may carry only a one-day supply (1 - 2 doses) of the medication.
  • The medication must be in the original container.
  • The student must have written permission to self-medicate signed by the parent/guardian.

Medication to be self-administered for more than fifteen (15) consecutive days whether over-the-counter or prescription, requires a current Northshore Medication Authorization Form signed by the student's Health Care Provider and parent/guardian stating that the student may self-medicate. The student must also demonstrate his/her ability to correctly evaluate his/her symptoms and use the medication appropriately.

Student Self-Administered Asthma and Anaphylaxis medications:

When a parent requests that his/her student be allowed to self-administer medication for asthma and/or anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), a Medication Authorization Form must be filled out and signed by the Health Care Provider and parent/guardian. The permission form must contain a treatment plan for what to do in case of an emergency. The Health Care Provider must also provide training for the student to recognize symptoms and the correct use of medications. Additionally the student must demonstrate his/her ability to correctly evaluate his/her symptoms and use of medications to the school nurse including how to access help when needed. (RCW 28A.210.370 and School District Policy 3419)

Sunscreen:

Washington state law allows students to bring and self-administer topical sunscreen at school and school events without written permission from a health care provider.  Sunscreens that are lotions or sticks are appropriate for school.  Do not send spray or aerosol sunscreens to school.  Please remind students not to share their sunscreen with others.  (RCW 28A.210.278)