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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee allow people who are not health care professionals to administer insulin at school?
Yes. Nurses may train and delegate insulin administration to volunteer school staff members.
“(b) […] school personnel who volunteer under no duress or pressure and who have been properly trained by a registered nurse employed or contracted by the [local school board] may administer glucagon in emergency situations and may administer daily insulin to a student based on that student's individual health plan (IHP). However, if a public school nurse is available and on site, the nurse shall provide this service to the student. The public school nurse may train as many school personnel as volunteer and are willing to assist with the care of students with diabetes but should seek to ensure at least two (2) volunteers are available. The nurse shall be under no duress to qualify any volunteer unless such volunteer is trained and deemed by the nurse to be competent […]” Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1602(b).
2. Does Tennessee allow people who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon at school?
Yes. As stated, Tennessee specifically allows trained volunteer school staff to administer glucagon and insulin when a school nurse is not present:
“[…]school personnel who volunteer under no duress or pressure and who have been properly trained by a registered nurse employed or contracted by the [local school board] may administer glucagon in emergency situations. […]” Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1602(b).
3. Does Tennessee allow students to self-manage diabetes care anytime, anywhere?
Yes. Tennessee requires school districts to allow students with diabetes to self-manage diabetes care in the classroom and anywhere else on school grounds:
“Upon written request of the parent or guardian, and if included in the student's medical management plan and in the IHP, a student with diabetes shall be permitted to perform blood glucose checks, administer insulin, treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and otherwise attend to the care and management of the student's diabetes in any area of the school or school grounds and at any school-related activity […]” Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1602(d)(7).
4. Does Tennessee allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices anytime and anywhere?
Yes. Tennessee requires school districts to allow student with diabetes to carry diabetes care supplies anytime, anywhere:
“Upon written request of the parent or guardian, and if included in the student's medical management plan and in the IHP, a student with diabetes […] shall be permitted to possess on such student's person at all times all necessary diabetes monitoring and treatment supplies, including sharps. Any sharps involved in diabetes care and management for a student shall be stored in a secure but accessible location, including on the student's person, until use of such sharps is appropriate. Use and disposal of sharps shall be in compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Tennessee occupational safety and health administration.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1602(d)(7).
5. Does Tennessee allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Tennessee 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:
- Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 50, Section 1602
- Tennessee Department of Education, Guidelines for Use of Health Care Professionals and Health Care Procedures in a School Setting (PDF)
- Glucagon Education for School Nurses in Tennessee by Mary Kornguth PhD, RN (pdf)
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
