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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
No. The rules do not specifically mention insulin, but in general medication administration is mentioned as a task for licensed nurses only. Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-5.
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 Mississippi allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. Mississippi rules make an exception for “furnishing of nursing assistance in an emergency.” Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-7. Since glucagon is almost always administered in an emergency, it should be allowed under Mississippi law.
Additionally, Mississippi Department of Education guidance states that glucagon should only be given by non-health care professional school staff when there is written parental consent and no school nurse available.
Epinephrine, glucagon and diazepam should only be given by the designated school personnel when the student has an existing diagnosis, a prescription from a legally authorized medical provider, written parental consent, and the school nurse is unavailable. Medication Safety at School: Assisted Self-Administration Guidelines
3. Does Mississippi allow students to self-manage diabetes at school
The law is unclear. Even if state law is not clear, federal laws may allow capable students to self-administer diabetes care. This may be necessary so that children with diabetes can access education just like any other child.
4. Does Mississippi allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
The law is unclear. Mississippi does not have any specific guidance or laws. Even if state law is not clear, federal laws may allow capable students to have diabetes care supplies at school. This may be necessary so that children with diabetes can access education just like any other child.
5. Does Mississippi allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Mississippi 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:
- Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-5; Regulation of Practice of Nursing, Delegation
- Miss. Code Ann. § 73-15-7. Regulation of Practice of Nursing, Exceptions
- Mississippi Administrative Code Title 30, Part 2801-2900 50-015-001 (2012) Rule 1.3 Supervision and Delegation (PDF)
- Mississippi Board of Nursing, Medication Safety at School: Assisted Self Administration, Revised April 2019
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.
