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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. Trained school staff can provide all types of diabetes care if a nurse is not present. Insulin and glucagon are mentioned specifically:
“If a school does not have a school nurse assigned to the school, the principal shall make an effort to seek school employees who may or may not be health care professionals to serve as volunteer diabetes care assistants to assist the student with the management of their diabetes care as provided for in the diabetes medical management plan for the student.” Ok. Stat. § 70-1210.196.4.
2. Does Oklahoma allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. Trained school staff can provide all types of diabetes care if a nurse is not present. Insulin and glucagon are mentioned specifically:
“The training [for volunteer diabetes care assistants] shall include instruction in: […] 2. Understanding the proper action to take if the blood glucose levels of a student with diabetes are outside the target ranges indicated by the diabetes medical management plan for the student; […]5. Properly administering insulin and glucagon and recording the results of the administration.” Ok. Stat. § 70-1210.196.5.
Additionally, Oklahoma schools my now stock undesignated glucagon for emergencies.
“A school district board of education may elect to stock glucagon to treat a student with diabetes who experiences a hypoglycemic emergency or if the student's prescribed glucagon is not available on site or has expired.” Ok. Stat. § 1210.196.9
3. Does Oklahoma allow students to self-manage diabetes at school?
Yes. Students with a diabetes care plan can perform all aspects of diabetes care, anywhere on school grounds, and during any school-related activities:
“In accordance with the diabetes medical management plan of a student, a school shall permit the student to attend to the management and care of the diabetes of the student, which may include: 1. Performing blood glucose level checks; 2. Administering insulin through the insulin delivery system used by the student; 3. Treating hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia; […] 5. Otherwise attending to the management and care of the diabetes of the student in the classroom, in any area of the school or school grounds, or at any school-related activity.” Ok. Stat. § 70-1210.196.7.
4. Does Oklahoma allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. A student may possess "on the person of the student at any time any supplies or equipment necessary to monitor and care for the diabetes of the student." Ok. Stat. § 70-1210.196.7.
5. Does Oklahoma allow a child to be moved to a different school because of a need for diabetes care?
No. A school cannot restrict a student's school assignment because of availability of a certain type of diabetes care:
“Each school in which a student with diabetes is enrolled shall make an effort to ensure that a school nurse or a volunteer diabetes care assistant is available at the school to assist the diabetic student when needed. […] E. A school district shall not restrict the assignment of a student with diabetes to a particular school site based on the presence of a school nurse, contract school employee, or a volunteer diabetes care assistant.” Ok. Stat. § 70-1210.196.4.
5. Does Oklahoma allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Oklahoma 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:
- Ok. Stat. § 70-1210.196 Diabetes Management in Schools Act
- Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Diabetes in School Guidelines (2022)
- Oklahoma State Department of Education, Diabetes Management Training Guidance and FAQ (see all site links)
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
