About this information:
This information was prepared by the Legal Advocacy division of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), a national leader in diabetes information and advocacy. This information covers state rules on diabetes care in Alaska schools, and may not include all the relevant rules and important details. While ADA strives to provide current information, laws and resources can frequently change. This information is not legal advice and professional legal advice should be sought as needed.
1. Does Alaska allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. Official Alaska regulations specifically allow people who are not health professionals to administer injectable medication if authorized by the parent/guardian:
“[…] parents of students who must have access to an injectable medication…at school, …"under other legal authority" (12 AAC 44.975) …may authorize an unlicensed person, including school staff, to perform the administration of medication and/or other healthcare duties needed by their child at school.” Health Medication Administration in the School Setting, Delegation Decision Tree Guidelines.
2. Does Alaska allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. As stated above, official guidance allows parents to designate school staff to administer injectable medication. In addition, official guidance specifically mentions the importance of immediate access to glucagon and insulin:
“Federal [laws] require that health services for complex student health needs be provided so that students can access their education. Immediate access to emergency medications (e.g. […]glucagon) is critical and vital to the effectiveness of these life-saving interventions. In addition to other needs, students with diabetes require management of injectable medications (insulin and glucagon) for use during school and school-sponsored activities.” Health Medication Administration in the School Setting, Delegation Decision Tree Guidelines.
3. Does Alaska allow students to self-manage diabetes care at school, anytime and anywhere?
Yes. Alaska state guidance makes it clear that capable students are permitted to self-manage all types of diabetes care, including insulin administration and blood glucose testing. Some schools may require evaluation of the student’s competency and reliability for self-administration. Medication Administration: A Guide for Training Unlicensed School Staff, pg. 13,14
4. Does Alaska allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. In Alaska's template, it is clear that capable students may carry all types of diabetes supplies:
Student Diabetes Self-Management Plan
“[Student can] plan to keep … diabetes supplies:
- With [him or her]
- In the school health office [or]
- In an accessible and secure location”
- Diabetes Individualized Healthcare Plan
5. Does Alaska allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Yes. Alaska does not have any statewide cellphone restrictions or bans for schools. However, individual schools or districts may create their own policies. If your child is having challenges with cell phone access at school, please contact us at 1-800-DIABETES or email AskADA@diabetes.org. Additional resources can be found on our Safe at School homepage.
Resources:
For more information, see the following helpful resources:
- Alaska Department of Health and Human Services, “Division of Public Health, “Individualized Healthcare Plan – Diabetes Healthcare Provider Orders” (Oct. 2016) (Template to provide parental permission and evaluation for student’s capability of diabetes self-management and school staff member assistance)
- Alaska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, "Health Medication Administration in the School Setting, Delegation Decision Tree Guidelines" (Oct. 25th, 2012) (Explanation of nursing delegation, including Appendix B chart).
- Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, "Medication Administration: A Guide for Training Unlicensed School Staff" (Oct. 25th, 2012, updated 2022) (This important guide provides comprehensive information about how schools can ensure quality training for their diabetes care staff).
Additional Safe at School resources are available at diabetes.org/safeatschool. To receive information and guidance about a school diabetes care issue, contact 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or AskADA@diabetes.org.
