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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. Arkansas allows school staff to administer insulin, as long as a health plan is in place, a doctor authorizes it, parents have signed a release, and volunteers are trained by health care professional in insulin administration:
“[Arkansas allows] the administration of glucagon, insulin, or both to a student who is diagnosed with diabetes by trained volunteer school personnel designated as care providers in a plan developed under a health plan that covers diabetes management and is based on the orders of a treating physician, who have been trained by a licensed registered nurse employed by a school district or other health care professional to administer glucagon, insulin, or both to a child with diabetes in an emergency situation.” Ark. Code § 17-87-103(11).
Arkansas also allows schools to recruit volunteers, encourages a school to have one volunteer care provider where a nurse is present (or three where none is present), and prohibits a school district from requiring a parent to provide care at school or school activities. Ark. Code § 17-87-103(11). Volunteer care providers cannot be liable for improper care. Ark. Code § 17-87-103(11)(E).
2. Does Arkansas allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. As stated above Arkansas allows volunteer school staff (care providers) to provide glucagon administration, as long as they have proper authorization and training. Ark. Code § 17-87-103(11).
3. Does Arkansas allow students to self-manage diabetes at school, anytime and anywhere?
Yes. Students can manage diabetes care anytime and anywhere on school campus and at school sponsored activities.
“Upon written request of a parent or guardian of a student with diabetes and authorization by the treating physician of the student, a student, in the classroom, in another area designated at the school, on school grounds, or at a school-related activity may [p]erform blood glucose checks; [a]dminister insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses; [and treat] hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.” Ark. Code § 6-18-711(a).
4. Does Arkansas allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. Students can carry all diabetes care supplies on their person:
“[…] a student, in the classroom, in another area designated at the school, on school grounds, or at a school-related activity may [p]ossess on his or her person the necessary supplies and equipment to perform diabetes monitoring and treatment functions.” Ark. Code § 6-18-711(a).
5. Does Arkansas allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Unclear. Arkansas is encouraging schools to enact cellphone restriction policies by providing grants. It is unclear if there is a medical exemption as the exact policies are left to each individual school.
Regardless, federal laws may allow students with diabetes to access devices for diabetes management purposes. This may be necessary so that children with diabetes can access education just like any other child. 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:
- Arkansas Code, Annotated, Title 17 Professions, Occupations, and Businesses, Subtitle 3. Medical Professions, Chapter 87 Nurses, Subchapter—General Provisions, Ark. Code § 17-87-103.
- Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, “School Health Personnel Training: Insulin and Glucagon”
- Arkansas Code, Annotated, Title 6 Education, Subtitle 2, Chapter 18 Students, Subchapter 7—Health, Ark. Code § 6-18-711
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.
