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 Colorado 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 Colorado allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. A specific state statute allows nurses to delegate insulin administration to unlicensed staff:
“The injection of insulin or glucagon is a nursing task that may be delegated […] Dosages of insulin may be injected by the Delegate [a school staff member] as designated in the IHP [Individualized Health Plan]. […]” 3 CCR 716-1-1.13.
“However, unlicensed staff may only administer "routine daily meal boluses of insulin, based on carbohydrate counts and blood glucose levels," and "selection of the type of insulin and dosage levels shall not be delegated." Non-routine "corrective dosages of insulin" may only be given after consulting with the nurse, parent, or guardian and by closely following the individualized health plan.” 3 CCR 716-1-1.13.
2. Does Colorado allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. As stated above, a specific state rule allows nurses to delegate glucagon administration to unlicensed staff. 3 CCR 716-1-1.13. In addition, unlicensed people can provide "nursing assistance in the case of an emergency." CO Rev Stat § 12-255-127.
3. Does Colorado allow students to self-manage diabetes at school?
Yes. Capable students are allowed to self-manage care. While there are no specific rules about time and place of care, there are no barriers, either:
“When the Delegator [the school nurse] determines that the Client [the student] is capable of self-administration, as documented in the IHP [Individualized Health Plan], the Delegator may delegate to the Delegatee [a school staff member] as designated in the IHP the verification of insulin dosage via pump or injection.” 3 CCR 716-1-1.13.
4. Does Colorado allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. Students must have access to all types of diabetes care supplies. A parent/guardian must notify the school nurse/administrator that the student will self-possess their medication. A school may restrict self-possession if the student lacks maturity, responsibility, etc.:
“The parent or legal guardian of a student for whom prescription medication is required shall notify the school’s administration or School Nurse of the student’s medical needs and that the student will be in possession of the medication. The policy may require the notification to include a Plan developed by the Healthcare Practitioner for any qualifying student or as deemed appropriate by the School Nurse or the school administrator in consultation with the School Nurse. […] Factors to be considered in establishing any such restrictions include the age and/or maturity of the student, the degree of responsibility of the student, the type of medication, and whether the student’s possession or self-administration poses a significant risk of harm to the student or to other students.” 1 CCR 301-68.
“In addition, all students with diabetes must have access (as appropriate) to glucose monitoring equipment, oral or injectable medications, including insulin and glucagon, nutritional supplements such as snacks, and a fast-acting source of glucose. The student must have knowledge about the equipment used in her/his diabetes management (e.g., syringes, insulin pen, insulin pump), access to a documentation system for his/her blood glucose readings, insulin dosages, and access to a bathroom.” School Nurse Role in Care and Management of the Child with Diabetes in Colorado Schools and Child Care Settings.
5. Does Colorado allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Colorado currently 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:
- CO Rev Stat § 12-255-127 (Nurse Practice Act).
- 3 Code of Colorado Regulations 716-1-1.13 (Nurse Practice Regulations).
- Colorado Kids with Diabetes State Standards & Guidelines, July 2024
- www.coloradokidswithdiabetes.org provides many additional resources, including training resources and model forms.
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
