Poliy 3413 - Student Immunization and Life-Threatening Health Conditions

Immunizations 

In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases and in recognition that prevention is a means of combating the spread of disease, students are required to present evidence of having been immunized against diseases as required by 28A.210 RCW and the Washington State Board of Health 246-105 WAC. 

Exemptions from Immunization 

The Richland School District shall allow for exemptions from immunization requirements only as allowed for by RCW 28A.210.090 and WAC 246-105-050. 

Meningococcal Disease, Human Papilloma Virus Disease and Vaccine Information Distribution 

At the beginning of every school year, the District will provide to parents/guardians of sixth through twelfth grade students, information provided by the Washington State Department of Health about meningococcal disease, human papilloma virus (HPV) disease and their vaccines. 

The information will include the causes and symptoms of meningococcal disease, human papilloma virus, how the diseases are spread, the places where parents/guardians may obtain additional information and vaccinations for their children; and current recommendations from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the vaccines. 

Life-Threatening Health Condition 

Prior to attendance at school, each child with a life-threatening health condition will present a medication and/or treatment order from a Licensed Healthcare Provider (LHP) addressing the condition. A life-threatening health condition means a condition that will put the child in danger of death during the school day if a medication or treatment order, providing authority to a registered nurse, and nursing plan are not in place. Following submission of the medication or treatment order, a nursing plan will be developed. 

The parent shall also provide any medication or equipment identified in the medication or treatment order necessary to carry out the order, unless the District is required to provide the medication or equipment as a related service under federal law. A new medication or treatment order must be submitted by the parent/guardian for each school year and whenever there are changes in the medication or treatment needs of the child. The nursing plan shall be amended accordingly. 

Students who have a life-threatening health condition and no medication or treatment order presented to the school shall be excluded from school, to the extent that the District can do so consistent with federal requirements for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and pursuant to the following due process requirements: 

A. Written notice to the parents, guardians or persons in loco parentis delivered to the parents in person or by certified mail. 
B. Notice of the applicable laws including a copy of the laws and rules. 
C. The order that the student shall be excluded from school immediately and until a medication or treatment order is presented. 
D. Describe the rights of the parents and student to a hearing, the hearing process and explain that the exclusion continues until the medication or treatment plan is presented or the hearing officer determines that the student should no longer be excluded from school. 
E. If the parents request a hearing, the district shall schedule one within three school days of receiving the request, unless more time is requested by the parents. 
F. The hearing process shall be consistent with the procedures established for disciplinary cases pursuant to Chapter 392-400 WAC. 

Legal References:

Chapter 28A.210 RCW Health - Screening and Requirements 
Chapter 246-105 WAC Immunization of childcare and school children against certain vaccine-preventable diseases 
Chapter 392-182 WAC Health records 
Chapter 392-380 WAC Immunization and Life-Threatening Health Conditions 
 

Adoption:

Adopted: 11/13/79 
Revised: 6/9/87 
Revised: 3/26/96 
Revised: 6/10/97 
Revised: 1/27/04 
Revised: 11/22/04 
Revised: 12/8/05 
Revised: 10/27/20