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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico allow people who are not health care professionals to administer insulin at school?
Yes. New Mexico schools must have a minimum of two trained diabetes care personnel. Diabetes care personnel do not have to be health professionals and may help administer insulin.
“In accordance with the request of a parent or guardian of a student with diabetes and the student’s diabetes medical management plan, a school nurse, or in the absence of a school nurse, diabetes care personnel shall perform diabetes care functions that may include: […] administering insulin or assisting a student in administering insulin”. 6.12.11.10 NMAC
2. Does New Mexico allow people who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon at school?
Yes. New Mexico allows trained diabetes personnel to administer glucagon in an emergency when the school nurse is absent and there is parental permission.
“In accordance with the request of a parent or guardian of a student with diabetes and the student’s diabetes medical management plan, a school nurse, or in the absence of a school nurse, diabetes care personnel shall perform diabetes care functions that may include: […] administering glucagon and other emergency treatments as prescribed” 6.12.11.10 NMAC
3. Does New Mexico allow students to self-manage diabetes care anytime, anywhere?
Yes. With parental authorization, students may perform self-management blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration at any time and at any area of the school.
“Upon written request of a parent or guardian of a student with diabetes and authorization by the student’s diabetes medical management plan, and upon demonstrated proficiency, a student shall be permitted to (1) perform self-management blood glucose monitoring to check blood glucose and ketones; (2) administer prescribed medication for the treatment of diabetes including the self-administration of insulin through the insulin delivery system that the student uses as determined in the student’s diabetes medical management plan; (3) treat hyperglycemia as determined in the student’s diabetes medical management plan; and (4) treat hypoglycemia as determined in the student’s diabetes medical management plan. […] A student with diabetes shall be permitted to self-manage in any area of the school or school grounds, and at any school-related activity.” 6.12.11.12 NMAC
4. Does New Mexico allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices anytime and anywhere?
Yes. Students with diabetes may carry diabetes supplies at all times on school property.
“A student with diabetes shall be permitted to possess on the student’s person at all times all necessary supplies and equipment to perform these monitoring and treatment functions.” 6.12.11.12 NMAC
5. Does New Mexico allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
New Mexico 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:
- New Mexico Statutes, Chapter 22, Article 34, Student Diabetes Management
- New Mexico Department of Health, New Mexico School Health Manual (Revised 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
