Safe at School

Arkansas

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 where a nurse is present (and three where none is present), and prohibits a school district from pressuring or coercing a parent into providing care. Ark. Code § 17-87-103(11). Volunteers 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 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).

Resources:
For more information, see the following helpful resources: