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 Nevada 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 Nevada allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. A school nurse may delegate the administration of insulin to unlicensed staff that the nurse trained in diabetes care. A nurse must be available at all times to provide consultation on diabetes care:
“[…] In cases where a student requires practitioner-prescribed insulin in order to participate in school activities or field trips, and a licensed nurse is not available to administer the insulin, the school nurse may delegate the administration of the prescribed dose of insulin to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is an employee of the school district and whom the school nurse has trained and deemed qualified […] In addition, there must be a school nurse available to the UAP delegate at all times to provide consultation regarding the student's dosage, measures to be taken for managing student symptoms or complications, and to give direction if questions arise regarding safe and appropriate management of the student.” Nevada State Board of Nursing, School Nurse Regulation and Advisory Opinion, School Nurse Regulation.
2. Does Nevada allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. A school nurse may delegate emergency glucagon administration to unlicensed, trained staff.
A school nurse may delegate "[a]dministration of glucagon injection kit in [an] emergent situation" to any "willing person whom the School Nurse has determined has acquired and/or maintained knowledge, skill and ability to perform the services in a safe and effective manner required by the child." Nevada State Board of Nursing, School Nurse Regulation and Advisory Opinion.
In addition, Nevada allows unlicensed people to perform "[n]ursing assistance in the case of an emergency." Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 632.316.
3. Does Nevada allow students to self-manage diabetes at school?
Yes. Students may self-manage at school upon a written request from the parent/guardian.
“The parent or legal guardian of a pupil who has asthma, anaphylaxis or diabetes may submit a written request to the principal or, if applicable, the school nurse of the public school in which the pupil is enrolled to allow the pupil to self-administer medication for the treatment of the pupil’s asthma, anaphylaxis or diabetes while the pupil is on the grounds of a public school, participating in an activity sponsored by a public school or on a school bus.” NV Rev Stat § 392.425.
4. Does Nevada allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. Parents may give permission for the school nurse to authorize students with diabetes to self-carry diabetes medication while at school.
“Upon receipt of a request that complies with subsection 3, the principal or, if applicable, the school nurse of the public school in which a pupil is enrolled shall provide written authorization for the pupil to carry and self-administer medication to treat his or her asthma, anaphylaxis or diabetes while the pupil is on the grounds of a public school, participating in an activity sponsored by a public school or on a school bus.” NV Rev Stat § 392.425.
5. Does Nevada allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Unclear. Nevada requires each school district to adopt a policy regarding cellphone use and restrictions. The law is silent on medical exemptions. Exact policies and exceptions are left up to each individual school so it is unclear if all schools will institute medical exemptions. N.R.S. 392.4637
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 helpful resources:
- Nevada Revised Statutes Annotated Section 632.340, Exemptions from required licensing or certification.
- Nevada State Board of Nursing Advisory Opinion, Insulin Delegation in the School Setting.
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
