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 Alaska 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 Michigan allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. School employees chosen by a school administrator may administer medication to students in the school setting Model Policy on the Management of Diabetes in the School Setting (2017). School districts may adopt "reasonable rules for […] the administration of medication to students by school personnel in accordance with instructions of the student's physician." Op. Mich. Atty. Gen., October 27, 1987, No. 6476.
Also, the Michigan Board of Education recommends that before the beginning of the school year, "[a]ll school personnel should be given training about diabetes and how to manage it." Staff chosen to actually perform most diabetes care tasks, including insulin administration, should have comprehensive training from a health care professional. Model Policy on the Management of Diabetes in the School Setting (2017).
2. Does Michigan allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. Michigan specifically allows school employees to administer medication to students Model Policy on the Management of Diabetes in the School Setting (2011). A model training program from the Michigan Board of Education recommends that all staff in contact with a student with diabetes be trained in glucagon administration. Model Policy on the Management of Diabetes in the School Setting (2017).
3. Does Michigan allow students to self-manage diabetes care at school?
Yes. The same law, above, specifically allows a school district to adopt policies regarding the self-administration of medication by students. MCLS § 380.1178a. The Michigan Board of Education clearly supports self-management:
“Diabetes care depends upon self-management. Students should have the right to self-manage, when appropriate. […] A student's ability to participate in self-care also depends upon his/her willingness to do so. It is preferable that students be permitted to perform diabetes care tasks in the classroom, at every campus location, or at any school activity (e.g., testing blood glucose). If the steps are performed correctly and materials are disposed of properly, there is no risk of blood or any other unsanitary material contact to other students.” Model Policy on the Management of Diabetes in the School Setting (2017).
4. Does Michigan allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices anytime and anywhere?
Yes. While not explicitly stated, Michigan guidance allows school nurses to authorize a responsible student to self-carry their medication.
“A school nurse must determine whether a student who self-administers medication is responsible to self-carry their medication. The developmental ability of the student, the need to have ready access to emergency medication and the safe storage of medication must be taken into account when making this decision.” Model Policy on the Management of Diabetes in the School Setting (2017).
Regardless, federal laws may allow students with diabetes to self-carry diabetes supplies management purposes. This may be necessary so that children with diabetes can access education just like any other child.
5. Does Michigan allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Michigan 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:
- Michigan Combined Statutes § 380.1178. Nursing; Definitions; principles of construction
- Michigan Board of Education, Model Policy on the Management of Diabetes in the School Setting (Updated 2017) (pdf)
- Opinion of the Michigan Attorney General, No. 6476, "Schools and School Districts/Administration of medication to students," (October 27, 1987)
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.
