The Seattle School Board recognizes that the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis and access to opioid-related overdose reversal medication can be life-saving. To assist a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose, the district will seek to obtain and maintain at least one set of opioid overdose reversal medication doses in each school.

The district has authority to 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 district will seek at least one set of opioid reversal medication doses for each school. However, if the district documents a good faith effort to obtain and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication through a donation source, and is unable to do so, the district is exempt from the obligation. If the district is unable to secure donation sources that permit the procurement of opioid overdose reversal medication for all schools, the district will prioritize opioid overdose medication distribution to its high schools first and middle schools second.   

The following personnel may distribute or administer the school-owned opioid overdose reversal medication to respond to symptoms of an opioid-related overdose:

• A school nurse, or
• School personnel who become designated trained responders.

Training for school personnel to become designated trained responders and distribute or administer opioid overdose reversal medication must meet the requirements for training described in the RCW 28A.210.390 and any rules or guidelines for such training adopted by the Office of Superintendent Public Instruction. If a school does not have a full-time school nurse, the district shall identify at least one member of the school’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 school property, including the school building, playground, and school bus, as well as during field trips or sanctioned excursions away from school property. A school nurse or a designated trained responder may carry an appropriate supply of school-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 may lawfully possess and administer opioid overdose reversal medication, based on their personal prescription. However, such “self-carrying” individuals must show proof of training as verified by a licensed registered professional nurse employed or contracted by the district or participate in district training as specified in the accompanying procedure.

If any type of overdose is suspected, including an opioid related overdose, district staff will first call 9-1-1 for emergency medical response. The school nurse or designated trained responder will follow the Washington Department of Health steps for administering naloxone for a suspected opioid related overdose.

The Superintendent is authorized to develop procedures to implement this policy.