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.
3. Does Alaska allow students to self-manage diabetes care at school, anytime and anywhere?
Yes. In Alaska’s special education guide, it is clear that capable students are permitted to self-manage all types of diabetes care, including insulin administration and blood glucose testing.: “A student with diabetes, with the appropriate written permissions would be permitted to perform blood glucose checks, administer insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses, and treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in any area of the school/school grounds. The student would be allowed to have on their person at all times all the necessary diabetes testing and treatment supplies and equipment.”
4. Does Alaska allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. In Alaska’s special education guide, it is clear that capable students may carry all types of diabetes supplies: “A student with diabetes, with the appropriate written permissions would be permitted to perform blood glucose checks, administer insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses, and treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in any area of the school/school grounds. The student would be allowed to have on their person at all times all the necessary diabetes testing and treatment supplies and equipment.”
5. Does Alaska allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Yes. Alaska requires schools to adopt a cellphone restriction policy. However, schools must allow exemptions for medical or emergency purposes. HB 57. 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:
- State of Alaska, Dept. of Education and Early Development: Guidance for Special Education Personnel (Provides information on diabetes self-management and medical certification)
- Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, "Medication Administration: A Guide for Training Unlicensed School Staff" (This e-learning course 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
