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 Utah 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 Utah allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. Utah regulations specifically permit insulin administration to be delegated to unlicensed school personnel, as long as they follow the individual health plan (IHP):
“[…] the delegation of nursing tasks in a school setting is further defined, clarified, or established as follows: […] (6) The routine provision of scheduled or correction dosage of insulin and the administration of glucagon in an emergency situation, as prescribed by the practitioner's order or specified in the IHP: (a) are not actions that require nursing assessment or judgment prior to administration; and(b) may be delegated to a delegatee. Insulin and glucagon injections by the delegatee shall only occur when the delegatee has followed the guidelines of the IHP.” Utah Admin. Code R156-31b-701a.
2. Does Utah allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. At a parent's request, school nurses or other licensed health professionals must train two or more volunteer school personnel to administer glucagon:
“(2) (a) A public school shall, within a reasonable time after receiving a glucagon authorization, train two or more school personnel who volunteer to be trained in the administration of glucagon, with training provided by the school nurse or another qualified, licensed medical professional.” Utah Code Ann. § 53A-11-603.
3. Does Utah allow students to self-manage diabetes at school?
Yes. Utah law specifically allows students with diabetes to self-administer all types of diabetes care:
“As used in this section, "diabetes medication" means prescription or nonprescription medication used to treat diabetes, including related medical devices, supplies, and equipment used to treat diabetes. (2) A public school shall permit a student to possess or possess and self-administer diabetes medication if: (a) the student's parent or guardian signs a statement: (i) authorizing the student to possess or possess and self-administer diabetes medication; and […] (b) the student's health care provider provides a written statement that states: i) it is medically appropriate for the student to possess or possess and self-administer diabetes medication and the student should be in possession of diabetes medication at all times […]”. Utah Code Ann. § 53A-11-604.
4. Does Utah allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. As stated above, Utah specifically allows a health provider to authorize a student to have "possession of diabetes medication at all times." Utah Code Ann. § 53A-11-604(b).
5. Does Utah allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Utah currently does not have any official 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:
- Utah Code Ann. § 53A-11-603 Administration of glucagon—Training of volunteer school personnel—Authority to use glucagon—Immunity from liability
- Utah Code Ann. § 53A-11-604. Diabetes medication—Possession—Self-administration
- Utah Administrative Code Rule 156-31b-701a. Delegation of Nursing Tasks in a School Setting
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
