PARENT MEDICATION INFORMATION
RE: Oral medication statute (RCW 28.A210.260 and 28A.210270)

Please read these guidelines and contact the school Nurse if you have any questions. These guidelines pertain to both prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Medication Request
A “Medication Authorization form” completed by the health care provider Including: M.D., D.O., N.P., D.C., D.D.S., P.A., and A.R.N.P. and signed by the parent/guardian and the health care provider must accompany all requests
for medication to be administered in school.

Containers
Medication must be sent in the original container and properly labeled with the student’s name, medication, dosage and instructions. Pharmacists will provide a second container for school use upon parent request.

Bringing in Medication – Parent
An adult must bring all medication to school. This will help to ensure the safety of all students.

Dividing Medication
If a tablet must be divided to obtain the correct dose, the pharmacists should be asked to divide the tablet when filling the prescription. If not divided by the pharmacist, then divided doses are the sole responsibility of the parent.

Oral Medication Only
The state law allows administration of oral medication only. Medication inhaled through mouth (asthma inhalers) is considered oral medication. Medications given by routes other than oral such as ointments, eye or eardrops, suppositories or injections cannot be given at school. If it is medically necessary that the student receive this type of medication at school, contact the school Nurse. (The exception is epinephrine injection to prevent anaphylactic shock in students with known sensitivity to bee sting, food, latex, etc. School staff may administer these injections only when current medication authorization forms are complete and when they receive training from the school Nurse.)

Disaster Planning
If a child has a chronic health concern and would need medication if stranded at school the parent/guardian is requested to provide the school with a three day (24 hour/day) supply of medication for emergency use (i.e. earthquakes). It must be accompanied with the written request from the physician and parent/guardian.

Field Trip Planning
All requirements above apply to day or overnight field trips. If a parent/guardian accompanies his/her child on a field trip they may give their child medication.

“Life Threatening” Conditions
Students with “life threatening” health conditions must provide the school with complete and signed medication and treatment orders addressing the condition and any medical services to be performed at school. If these complete orders are not presented, your child will not be allowed to attend school. For the purpose of this legislated requirement, a “life threatening” condition is one that will put the child in danger of death during the school day if a medication or treatment order and nursing plan are not in place: e.g., severe allergies, severe asthma, seizure disorders, and diabetes.

Emergency Procedures Policy
The City of Olympia is located in an earthquake prone area; therefore, we want to remind you in the event of an earthquake or other critical situation the Olympia School District high schools will do the following:
1. Students will not be dismissed from high school unless it is safe for them to use their regular transportation home: walking, IT bus, school bus, family car, etc. Students being dismissed must sign out through the main office or at a temporary student release station located in each parking lot.
2. We are prepared to care for your student in times of critical situations. If you are unable to reach the school, we will care for your student here. We have a number of people with first aid certificates and we will be in communication with various local emergency services.

In the case of a serious earthquake or other critical situations, we ask your help in the following areas:
1. Please do not call the school—we must have the lines open for emergency calls. To the extent possible, we will give students the opportunity to contact you.
2. Following an earthquake or other emergency, do not immediately drive to the school. The streets to our school may be blocked with debris. The school access routes and street entrances must remain clear for emergency vehicles.
3. Please tune your radio to any local AM station for information and directions.
4. As soon as possible we ask that you have a family discussion regarding your expectations of your student if a
serious situation were to occur.

Change of Home Address, Phone, or Emergency Number
The office should be notified if there are any changes in your address, home or work phone numbers, or the names or phone numbers of persons to be contacted in case of emergency.