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 Hawai’i 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 Hawai'i allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. Volunteer department of education employees and agents can administer insulin. Parents must provide written authorization from a health care professional:
“The department [of education] shall permit […] Department employees and agents to volunteer to administer [i]nsulin or assist a student in administering insulin via the delivery system that student uses.” HRS § 302A-1164(a)(2)(A).
2. Does Hawai'i allow people who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon at school?
Yes. Volunteer department of education employees and agents can administer insulin. Parents must provide written authorization from a health care professional:
“The department [of education] shall permit […] Department employees and agents to volunteer to administer […] Glucagon in an emergency situation to students with diabetes. […]” HRS § 302A-1164(a)(2)(B).
3. Does Hawai'i allow students to self-manage diabetes care anytime, anywhere?
Yes. Students with a written note from a health care professional may self-administer all types of diabetes care at any school-related activity:
“The department [of education] shall permit [t]he self-administration of medication by a student for diabetes […] The student's parent or guardian shall provide the department with [w]ritten certification […] stating that the student with diabetes may perform the student's own blood glucose checks, administer insulin through the student's insulin delivery system, and otherwise attend to the care and management of the student's diabetes during any school-related activity.” HRS § 302A-1164(a)-(b).
4. Does Hawai'i allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices anytime and anywhere?
Yes. Students with a written note from a health care professional "may possess on the student's person all necessary supplies and equipment to perform the diabetes monitoring and treatment activities, if applicable." HRS § 302A-1164(b).
5. Does Hawai’i allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Hawai’i 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:
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.
