About this information:
This information was prepared by the American Diabetes Association, a national leader in diabetes information and advocacy. It covers state rules on diabetes care in Minnesota schools, and may not include all the important details. We strive to be constantly up to date, but laws can change. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice.
1. Does Minnesota allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
Yes. Licensed school nurses or registered nurses can delegate tasks to unlicensed staff.
[The Nurse Practice Act] shall not prohibit: […] The provision of a nursing or nursing-related service by an unlicensed assistive person who has been delegated or assigned the specific function and is supervised by a registered nurse or monitored by a licensed practical nurse. Minn. Stat. § 148.271(1).
Parents should give written authorization for insulin administration, and unlicensed staff must be trained in insulin administration. Minnesota Guidelines for the Administration of Medications in Schools: Frequently Asked Questions.
2. Does Minnesota allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon?
Yes. As stated above, licensed school nurses or registered nurses can delegate tasks to unlicensed staff. Also, unlicensed staff can provide care “in an emergency.” Minn. Stat. § 148.271(4). Parents should give written authorization for glucagon administration, and “[t]raining must be provided for school personnel who administer emergency medications such as […] Glucagon™.” Minnesota Guidelines for the Administration of Medications in Schools: Frequently Asked Questions.
3. Does Minnesota allow students to self-manage diabetes care at school?
Yes. The law is silent, but official guidance from the Minnesota state departments allows students to self-administer diabetes care:
16. [Question:] Can a student who has diabetes perform his/her own glucose monitoring and insulin administration, either by syringe or pump? [Answer:] Yes. If not done by the student, it may be performed by an [licensed school nurse or registered nurse] or delegated to others who are trained to assist in the procedure. Minnesota Guidelines for the Administration of Medications in Schools: Frequently Asked Questions.
This guidance also states that if there is “disagreement regarding a student’s self-carrying and self-administration of medication,” then there should be a meeting to “sort out differences of opinion and develop a plan.”
4. Does Minnesota allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices anytime and anywhere?
Yes. Official guidance from Minnesota state departments allow for responsible students to carry medication with physician and guardian approval:
7.6 […] An authorization form completed and renewed annually by the parent/legal guardian and physician licensed health care prescriber and on file in the school will allow a student to responsibly carry medications for self –administration. Minnesota Guidelines for the Administration of Medications in Schools: Frequently Asked Questions.
This guidance also notes that when self-carrying includes “controlled substances,” there needs to be a plan “for keeping the student as independent as possible but in compliance with drug laws and safe storage. (e.g., medications could be self-administered, but stored in the health office).”
Resources:
For more information, see the following resources: