Safe at School

Ohio

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 Ohio 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 Ohio allow people who are not health care professionals to administer insulin at school?

Yes. School staff at both public and private schools may be trained by a nurse or licensed health care worker on how to provide diabetes care, including insulin administration: 

“(D)(1) […] the department of education shall adopt nationally recognized guidelines, as determined by the department, for the training of school employees in diabetes care for students. […] (2) The guidelines shall address all of the following issues: […] (g) Administering insulin, glucagon, or other medication in accordance with a student's physician's order and recording the results of the administration; (h) Understanding the relationship between the diet recommended in a student's physician's [order and actions that may be taken if the recommended diet is not followed.” ORC Section 3313.7112(D).

Note: As of April 4th, 2017, an advanced practice registered nurse or a physician assistant may also issue medical orders and give any diabetes care authorizations, in addition to a physician. Ohio General Assembly 131 House Bill 216, Jan. 2017.

2. Does Ohio allow people who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon at school?

Yes. As stated above, unlicensed school staff may have responsibility for “[a]dministering insulin, glucagon, or other medication” under direction from a treating practitioner. ORC Section 3313.7112(D).

Additionally, schools may now keep a stock of undesignated glucagon for emergencies. 

“The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district may procure injectable or nasally administered glucagon for each school operated by the district to have on the school premises for use in emergency situations identified under division (D)(5) of this section.” ORC Section 3313.7115

3. Does Ohio allow students to self-manage diabetes care anytime, anywhere? 

Yes. With authorization from a treating practitioner and guardian, a student with diabetes may manage all aspects of diabetes care anytime, anywhere. However, this privilege may be revoked:

“(H)(1) [O]n written request of the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of a student and authorization by the student's treating physician, a student with diabetes shall be permitted to attend to the care and management of the student's diabetes in accordance with the student's physician's order during regular school hours and school-sponsored activities if the student's treating physician determines that the student is capable of performing diabetes care tasks. The student shall be permitted to perform diabetes care tasks in a classroom, in any area of the school or school grounds, and at any school-related activity […] (2) If the student performs any diabetes care tasks or uses medical equipment for purposes other than the student's own care, the board or governing authority may revoke the student's permission to attend to the care and management of the student's diabetes.” ORC Section 3313.7112.

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

Yes. A student may carry diabetes supplies anywhere at school at anytime. 

With authorization from a treating practitioner and a guardian, a student may be permitted to “possess on the student's self at all times all necessary supplies and equipment to perform these tasks.” ORC Section 3313.7112 (H). 

5. Does Ohio allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?

Unclear. Ohio requires schools to adopt a cellphone policy that restricts cellphone use during school hours and reduces cellphone distractions. However, Ohio expressly requires schools to permit cellphone use by students whose individualized education program or 504 plan proscribes the use for learning or health monitoring. It is unclear if students without an IEP or 504 plan are permitted to use their cellphone during prohibited times. 

“If determined appropriate by the district board, or if included in a student's individualized education program developed under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code or plan developed under section 504 of the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," 29 U.S.C. 794, permit students to use cellular Am. Sub. H. B. No. 250 135th G.A. 11 telephones or other electronic communications devices for student learning or to monitor or address a health concern.” H.B. 250

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

6. Other State Issue(s)

  • Can a child with diabetes be transferred to a different school because of the need for diabetes care? 

    No. Ohio law states that a student with diabetes must be able to attend the school they would normally go to if they did not have diabetes:

    “(G) A student with diabetes shall be permitted to attend the school the student would otherwise attend if the student did not have diabetes and the diabetes care […] shall be provided at the school. A board or governing authority shall not restrict a student who has diabetes from attending the school on the basis that the student has diabetes, that the school does not have a full-time school nurse, or that the school does not have an employee trained in diabetes care. The school shall not require or pressure a parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of a student to provide diabetes care for the student with diabetes at school or school-related activities.” ORC Section 3313.7112.

Resources: 

For more information, see the following resources:

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