Life-Threatening Health Condition

The Children with life-threatening health conditions is a Washington State Law that took effect June 13, 2002. The law defines a life-threatening condition as “a health condition that will put the child in danger of death during the school day if a medication or treatment order and a nursing plan are not in place.” Children with life-threatening conditions such as severe bee sting or severe food allergies, severe asthma, diabetes, severe seizures, or other at-risk conditions are now required to have a medication or treatment order and a nursing plan in place before they start school. The medication or treatment order must be from the child's licensed health care provider (LHP), who may be a doctor, physician's assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, etc.

If a medication or treatment order is not provided, the principal of the school is required to exclude the child until such an order has been provided. This requirement applies to students with a life-threatening condition who are new to the district, and students who are already attending the school. Exclusion procedures are guided by the state mandated rules of the State Board of Education. If your child has a life-threatening health condition that may require medical services to be performed at school, you need to immediately notify your school's principal and school nurse. The necessary forms will be provided and a time will be arranged for you to meet with your child's school nurse/educational health specialist.

Please call your school's main office if you have any questions or would like further clarification.