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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
No. Regulations for the Nurse Practice Act do not allow non-professionals to administer medication.
“No lay person, other than a parent, may administer medication to a student in the school setting. Exceptions: §§ 4.21.4(F) and 4.22.1 of this Part (related to the administration of epinephrine and glucagon).” 216-RICR-20-10-4.24
Regardless, federal laws may allow unlicensed staff to provide this 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. The law in this area is very complicated so we encourage you to contact us for further information.
2. Does Rhode Island allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. Rhode Island specifically allows volunteer school staff to administer glucagon when a school nurse is not present:
“A parent or legal guardian may authorize school employees (or those employed on behalf of the school), for when there is no school nurse immediately available, to administer glucagon on such student in case of an emergency, while at school or school-sponsored activities.” 216-RICR-20-10-4-22 .
3. Does Rhode Island allow students to self-manage diabetes at school?
Yes. School districts must have a policy that allows students with diabetes to self-manage diabetes care in the classroom, and any other appropriate area:
“Each school district shall develop a policy or protocol that allows children who are diagnosed with diabetes to self-manage their disease whenever possible. […]Such policy or protocol shall require no less than the following: […] Permitting self-testing in the classroom or other appropriate place(s) on the school campus or at school-sponsored activities […]” 216-RICR-20-10-4.22
4. Does Rhode Island allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. School districts must develop a policy that allows students to self-carry prescription medication:
“All school districts or authorities shall develop protocols or procedures to permit students to self-carry and/or self-administer prescription medication if the student, parent, certified school nurse-teacher or registered nurse, and licensed prescribing health care provider enter into a written agreement that specifies the conditions under which the prescription medication must be self-carried and/or self-administered.” 216-RICR-20-4.24.3
5. Does Rhode Island allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Rhode Island 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 helpful resources:
- Rhode Island Code of Regulations, Title 216, Chapter 20, Section 4.22, Diabetes Care Management
- Rhode Island Department of Health, Diabetes Information for Schools
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
