Safe at School

Nevada

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 "[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?

The law is silent, but there is no barrier either. Even if state law is not clear, federal laws may allow capable students to self-manage diabetes 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.

4. Does Nevada allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?

The law is silent, but there is no barrier either. Even if state law is not clear, federal laws may allow capable students to self-manage diabetes 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.

Resources:
For more information, see the following helpful resources: