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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
No. Under Wyoming regulations nurses are not permitted to delegate the administration of medicine.
“Section 7. […] The following nursing functions require nursing knowledge, judgment, and skill and may not be delegated: […] Nursing interventions, including but not limited to [...] Administration of medications.” Wyoming Administrative Rules, Ch. 3
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 Wyoming allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Unclear. As stated above, nurses may delegate tasks, but state regulations do not allow administration of medicine to be delegated. However, the Wyoming Dept. of Education provides a form to grant permission for school staff to administer emergency medication such as glucagon. See Permission Form to Administer Emergency Medication.
Regardless, federal laws may also 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.
3. Does Wyoming allow students to self-manage diabetes at school?
Yes. Students may self-administer medication for potentially life-threatening conditions. Without insulin, type 1 diabetes is a life-threatening condition. Therefore, it can be argued that insulin and related self-management is permitted. However, there is no specific mention of diabetes self-management.
“(a) The district board shall permit a student to possess and self-administer within any school of the district medication required for potentially life threatening conditions if a written statement is submitted to the district […].” Wyo. Stat. § 21-4-310.
4. Does Wyoming allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices?
The law is unclear, but there are no barriers either. As stated above, Wyoming allows students to possess and self-administer medication for potentially life threatening conditions. Wyo. Stat. § 21-4-310. State law is silent about carrying other diabetes supplies, but there are no barriers either, and it is necessary to have access to these supplies in order to ensure safe administration of diabetes medication.
5. Does Wyoming allow students with diabetes to carry cellphones or smart devices for medical purposes?
Wyoming 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:
- Wyoming Statutes Annotated Section 21-4-310, Self-administration of medication for potentially life threatening conditions.
- Wyoming State Board of Nursing Delegation Statement (2021) (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
