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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. Licensed school nurses or registered nurses can delegate tasks to unlicensed staff.
“[The Nurse Practice Act] shall not prohibit: […] The provision of a nursing or nursing-related service by an unlicensed assistive person who has been delegated or assigned the specific function and is supervised by a registered nurse or monitored by a licensed practical nurse.” Minn. Stat. § 148.271(1).
Parents should give written authorization for insulin administration, and unlicensed staff must be trained in insulin administration. Minnesota Guidelines for the Administration of Medications in Schools: Frequently Asked Questions.
2. Does Minnesota allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. As stated above, licensed school nurses or registered nurses can delegate tasks to unlicensed staff. Also, unlicensed staff can provide care “in an emergency.” Minn. Stat. § 148.271(4). Parents should give written authorization for glucagon administration, and “[t]raining must be provided for school personnel who administer emergency medications such as […] Glucagon™.” Minnesota Guidelines for the Administration of Medications in Schools: Frequently Asked Questions.
3. Does Minnesota allow students to self-manage diabetes care at school?
Yes. The law is silent, but official guidance from the Minnesota state departments allows students to self-administer diabetes care:
“17. [Question:] Can a student who has diabetes perform his/her own glucose monitoring and insulin administration, either by syringe or pump? [Answer:] Yes. If not done by the student, it may be performed by an [licensed school nurse or registered nurse] or delegated to others who are trained to assist in the procedure.” Minnesota Guidelines for the Administration of Medications in Schools: Frequently Asked Questions.
This guidance also states that if there is “disagreement regarding a student’s self-carrying and self-administration of medication,” then there should be a meeting to “sort out differences of opinion and develop a plan.” Minnesota Guidelines for the Administration of Medications in Schools: Frequently Asked Questions.
4. Does Minnesota allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices anytime and anywhere?
Yes. Official guidance from Minnesota state departments allows for responsible students to carry medication with physician and guardian approval:
“7.6 […] An authorization form completed and renewed annually by the parent/legal guardian and physician licensed health care prescriber and on file in the school will allow a student to responsibly carry medications for self –administration.” Minnesota Guidelines for the Administration of Medications in Schools: Frequently Asked Questions.
This guidance also notes that when self-carrying includes “controlled substances,” there needs to be a plan “for keeping the student as independent as possible but in compliance with drug laws and safe storage. (e.g., medications could be self-administered, but stored in the health office).”
5. Does Minnesota allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Unclear. Schools must adopt a cellphone restriction policy by March 2025. The state will provide guidance for best practices. However, exact policies and exceptions are left up to each individual school so it is unclear if all schools will institute medical exemptions.
Regardless, federal laws may allow students with diabetes to access devices for diabetes management purposes. This may be necessary so that children with diabetes can access education just like any other child. If your child is having challenges with cell phone access at school, please contact us at 1-800-DIABETES or email AskADA@diabetes.org
Resources:
For more information, see the following resources:
- Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Guidelines for the Administration of Medications in Schools (2015)
- Minnesota Statutes Section 148.271, Nurses, Exemptions
- Minnesota Statutes Section 121A.22, Administration of Drugs and Medicine
- Minnesota Department of Health: School Nursing Practice
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.
