1. Does Massachusetts allow people who are not health care professionals to administer insulin at school?
No. Massachusetts allows nurses to delegate the administration of medicine that is eaten or swallowed, but not injected medication. 105 CMR 210.004.
Regardless, federal laws may allow unlicensed staff to provide this care. This may be necessary so that children with diabetes can access education just like any other child. In case of a conflict between federal and state laws, federal laws protect the rights of children. The law in this area is very complicated so we encourage you to contact us for further information.
2. Does Massachusetts allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
No. As stated above, Massachusetts does not allow unlicensed staff to administer injected medication. 105 CMR 210.004. Regardless, federal laws may allow unlicensed staff to provide this care. This may be necessary so that children with diabetes can access education just like any other child. In case of a conflict between federal and state laws, federal laws protect the rights of children. The law in this area is very complicated so we encourage you to contact us for further information.
3. Does Massachusetts allow students to self-manage diabetes at school?
Yes. Massachusetts specifically allows students with diabetes to self-manage care:
Notwithstanding any general or special law or regulation to the contrary, a school district shall not prohibit a student with diabetes from possessing and administering a glucose monitoring test and insulin delivery system, in accordance with department of public health regulations concerning a student's self-administration of a prescription medication. ALM GL ch. 71, § 54B.
4. Does Massachusetts allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. Massachusetts specifically allows students with diabetes to possess glucose monitoring and insulin delivery devices:
Notwithstanding any general or special law or regulation to the contrary, a school district shall not prohibit a student with diabetes from possessing and administering a glucose monitoring test and insulin delivery system, in accordance with department of public health regulations concerning a student's self-administration of a prescription medication. ALM GL ch. 71, § 54B.
Resources:
For more information, see the following helpful resources:
- Annotated Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 71: Public Schools, Section 54B, Administration of Psychotropic Drugs Regulated.
- Code of Massachusetts Regulations, Title 105, Section 210.006 (2012) Self Administration of Prescription Medications. (PDF).
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Massachusetts Guide to Managing Diabetes at School (2011) (PDF).
