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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. Pennsylvania allows a school nurse to identify school employees to administer insulin and glucagon. If there is no school nurse, the school administrator may identify at least one school employee. The school must also have written authorization from the student's doctor and the parent or guardian:
“A school employee [sic] who is not a licensed health care practitioner and who has successfully completed the education modules under subsection (A) or annual education offered by a licensed health care practitioner with expertise in the care and treatment of diabetes that includes substantially the same information as outlined in subsection (A) may be designated in a student's service agreement or IEP to administer diabetes medications, use monitoring equipment and provide other diabetes care.” P.L. 30 No. 14 Sec. 1414.3-1414.8.
2. Does Pennsylvania allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. As mentioned above, school employees may administer insulin and glucagon, as long as they meet the standards referenced above and complete training:
“Employes [sic] who are not licensed health care practitioners shall only be authorized to administer diabetes medications via injection or infusion following annual education by a licensed health care practitioner with expertise in the care and treatment of diabetes, and following the school entity's receipt of written authorization from both the student's health care practitioner and parent or guardian …” P.L. 30 No. 14 Sec. 1414.3-1414.8.
3. Does Pennsylvania allow students to self-manage diabetes at school?
Yes. Pennsylvania allows capable students to possess and self-administer diabetes medication and equipment as long as the parent or guardian provides a written statement from the student's doctor and authorization from the parent or guardian. The school nurse and student must provide a written acknowledgement that the student is capable of self-administration and monitoring.
For additional information about the specific content required for each of these written authorizations and acknowledgments, please see, P.L. 30 No. 14 Sec. 1414.3-1414.8.
4. Does Pennsylvania allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. As mentioned above, Pennsylvania law specifically allows capable student to possess or keep with them their diabetes medication and equipment as long as the above requirements are met. P.L. 30 No. 14 Sec. 1414.3-1414.8.
5. Does Pennsylvania allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Unclear. Pennsylvania is encouraging schools to enact cellphone restriction policies by providing grants for cellphone storage bags. It is unclear if there is a medical exemption as the exact policies are left to each individual school.
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 Additional resources can be found on our Safe at School homepage.
6. Do these same rules apply to Pennsylvania private schools?
Partially. While not required, Pennsylvania law allows private schools to adopt the above requirements without incurring liability.
“A non-public school may comply with the education of school employes [sic] and provision of diabetes-related care to a student with diabetes" required under this statute. P.L. 30 No. 14 Sec. 1414.3-1414.8. In addition, public schools must provide private schools with health services. Specifically, a "child in private, parochial and public schools shall be provided with school nurse services in the school which the child attends," and "school nurse services shall be provided through the public school system." 29 P.A. Code § 23.51.
Resources:
- Pennsylvania Statute. 30 No. 14 Sections 1414.3-1414.8
- Pennsylvania Code, Title 29, Chapter 23, Subchapter B, School Nurse Services, Section 23.51
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
