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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. Trained school staff can administer medication prescribed by a doctor. Even though insulin is not specifically mentioned, it is permitted because any appropriately prescribed medication can be administered, regardless of route of administration:
“It is within the scope of duty of teachers, including substitute teachers, teacher assistants, student teachers, or any other public school employee when authorized by the board of education or its designee, (i) to administer any drugs or medication prescribed by a doctor upon written request of the parents, (ii) to give emergency health care when reasonably apparent circumstances indicate that any delay would seriously worsen the physical condition or endanger the life of the pupil, and (iii) to perform any other first aid or lifesaving techniques in which the employee has been trained in a program approved by the State Board of Education.” N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-375.1.
2. Does North Carolina allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. As stated above, trained school staff can administer medicine and diabetes care, including giving "emergency health care." N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-375.1(ii).
3. Does North Carolina allow students to self-manage diabetes at school?
Yes. Capable students can self-administer diabetes care:
Information to be included in a diabetes care plan, including the responsibilities and appropriate staff development for teachers and other school personnel, an emergency care plan, the identification of allowable actions to be taken, the extent to which the student is able to participate in the student's diabetes care and management, and other information […] N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-12 (31)(c).
4. Does North Carolina allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. North Carolina requires school guidelines to meet or exceed American Diabetes Association standards which allow students to carry diabetes supplies.
“The State Board shall ensure that the information and allowable actions included in a diabetes care plan as required in this subdivision meet or exceed the American Diabetes Association's recommendations for the management of children with diabetes in the school and day care setting.” N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-12 (31)(c).
The American Diabetes Association recommends permission for self-sufficient and capable students to carry equipment, supplies, medication, and snacks and to perform diabetes management tasks anywhere and at any time. Diabetes Care in the School Setting: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association (2015)
5. Are North Carolina guidelines for diabetes care at school North Carolina students with diabetes protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act?
Yes. North Carolina law makes clear that the North Carolina Board of Education must ensure compliance with Section 504:
“The State Board shall adopt guidelines for the development and implementation of individual diabetes care plans. The State Board shall consult with the North Carolina Diabetes Advisory Council established by the Department of Health and Human Services in the development of these guidelines. The State Board also shall consult with local school administrative unit employees who have been designated as responsible for coordinating their individual unit's efforts to comply with federal regulations adopted under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 794. In its development of these guidelines, the State Board shall refer to the guidelines recommended by the American Diabetes Association for the management of children with diabetes in the school and day care setting and shall consider recent resolutions by the United States Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights of investigations into complaints alleging discrimination against students with diabetes.” N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-12 (31)(c).
6. Does North Carolina allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
North Carolina 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:
- North Carolina General Statute Section 115C-12 (31), Powers and duties of the Board generally, To Adopt Guidelines for Individual Diabetes Care Plans
- North Carolina General Statute Section 115C-375.1, To provide some medical care to students
- North Carolina School Health Program Manual, March 2023
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
