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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. West Virginia allows authorized trained school personnel to administer medication. While insulin is not expressly mentioned, there are no restrictions either.
“Role of designated qualified personnel/administrator’s designee: […] Store and administer medication, complete the medication document and report medication incidents as outlined in Sections 7.4. and 8.5.” 126 WV Code of State Rules §126-27-6
2. Does West Virginia allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. The school nurse may choose to delegate and train school personnel to administer glucagon.
“The following emergency medications have been approved for school nurses to decide the ability to delegate, train and continuously supervise school personnel to administer when a diagnosis and order are in place and the school nurse or licensed practical nurse is not available to provide such care: Glucagon …” 126 WV Code of State Rules 126-27-10
3. Does West Virginia allow students to self-manage diabetes at school?
Yes. Capable students may self-manage diabetes and administer medication as needed at school.
“Role of the Student: Self-administer prescribed emergency or acute medications, such as but not limited to epinephrine, insulin, asthma inhaler or ibuprofen when the prescription indicates that said student may maintain possession of the medication. The student must be able to bring the medication to school, carry the medication in a safe and responsible manner, and use the medication only as prescribed.” 126 WV Code of State Rules §126-27-6
4. Does West Virginia allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
Yes. West Virginia law generally allows students to bring medication to school. State law does not mention anything about diabetes care supplies, such as snacks or blood glucose meters, but there are no barriers, either:
“6.5. Role of the student.[…] 6.5.2. Self-administer prescribed emergency or acute medications, such as but not limited to a Epi-pen or ibuprofen when the prescription indicates that said student must maintain possession of the medication. The student must be able to bring the medication to school, carry the medication in a safe and responsible manner, and use the medication only as prescribed. At the discretion of county boards of education, high school students (not below grade 9) may be allowed to carry and self-administer non-prescribed medication (OTC) with parent/guardian authorization, unless restricted by the administrator.” 126 WV Code of State Rules §126-27-6
5. Does West Virginia allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
West Virginia 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:
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
