On May 4, 2017, Governor Inslee signed Substitute Senate Bill 5404 which took effect immediately. A new section was added to the medication in school law (RCW 28A.210.260) that allows students to have FDA-approved topical sunscreen at school without a prescription from a licensed health care professional.
WA State House Bill Amendment 5404 to RCW 28A.210 states, in part, that:
Any person, including students, parents and school personnel, may possess topical sunscreen products to help prevent sunburn while on school property, at a school-related event or activity, or at summer camp….a sunscreen product may be possessed and applied under this section without the prescription or note of a licensed health care professional if the product is regulated by the United States food and drug administration for over-the-counter use…..For student use, a sunscreen product must be supplied by parent/guardian..(3) Nothing in this section requires school personnel to assist students in applying sunscreen.
Please review the important initial Bellevue School District directions below for sending sunscreen with your child to school. The safety of all children is our priority and some students are very allergic to sunscreen. Thank you for understanding and complying with this process.
Students may bring and self-apply FDA-approved sunscreen at school once parents have met the following conditions:
- We recommend application at home before school; have student bring in a sunhat labeled with their name, and wearing sun protective garments.
- Sunscreen (FDA approved) must be labeled with child’s full name and kept with student (backpack).
- Parent/guardian has instructed student on proper self-administration.
- NO spray sunscreen is allowed.
- Younger students may find stick sunscreen easier.
- Child is instructed by parent/guardian to not share sunscreen with other students.
- Approval will be withdrawn if a student handles sunscreen irresponsibly or otherwise maintains or administers it in a manner that is not appropriate for school. For this reason, parents/guardians must demonstrate at home how to apply.
- Additional information regarding sunscreen can be found at: https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs