Policy 3424 - Opioid Related Overdose Reversal

The Richland School District’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) recognizes that the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis and access to opioid-related overdose reversal medication can be lifesaving. 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 at each of its schools. 

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 of its schools. 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 to have a set of opioid reversal medication doses for each school. Documentation of good faith effort must be kept on file. 

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; 
• School personnel who become designated trained responders; or 
• A health care professional or trained staff person located at a health care clinic on public school property or under contract with the school district. 

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 statute and any rules or guidelines for such training adopted by the Office of Superintendent Public Instruction (OSPI). The district shall identify at least one member of each 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. 

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

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