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 Idaho 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 Idaho allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. for medication administration in general. Nurses may delegate medication administration in general, and there is nothing that prohibits insulin administration. IDAPA 23.01.01.490 (2018). It is not clear what kind of training or supervision needs to take place at school.
2. Does Idaho allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. for emergency care in general. The law allows unlicensed people to perform nursing tasks in emergency situations. Since glucagon is almost always administered in an emergency, it should be allowed:
“This act shall not be construed to require licensure or to prohibit the practice of nursing by persons assisting in an emergency.” Idaho Code Section 54-1412.
3. Does Idaho allow students to self-manage diabetes at school?
Yes. School districts are required to adopt a policy permitting students with diabetes to self-administer diabetes medication and blood glucose monitoring.
“A student who is permitted to self-administer medication or blood glucose monitoring pursuant to this section shall be permitted to possess and use a prescribed inhaler, an epinephrine auto-injector, insulin or blood glucose monitoring supplies at all times.” Idaho Code Section 33-520.
4. Does Idaho allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. A student who is permitted to self-administer is also permitted to possess and use insulin and blood glucose supplies at all times. Idaho Code Section 33-520.
5. Does Idaho allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Idaho 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 resources:
- Idaho Code of Statutes Section 54-1412; Exceptions to license requirements.
- Idaho Code of Statutes Section 33-520; Policy Governing Medical Inhalers, Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, Insulin and Blood Glucose Monitoring Supplies
- Idaho Administrative Code, IDAPA 23: Board of Nursing, Title 01, Chapter 01, Section 23.01.01.490; Rules of the Idaho Board of Nursing; Unlicensed Assistive Personnel.
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.
