1. Does Wyoming allow school staff members who are not health care professionals to administer insulin?
No. Under Wyoming regulations, nurses are specifically allowed to delegate some nursing tasks. However, these regulations do not seem to permit the administration of medicine, including insulin:
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.
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?
No. As stated above, nurses may delegate tasks, but state regulations do not allow administration of medicine to be delegated.
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?
The law is unclear, but there are no barriers either. Students may self-administer medication for potentially life threatening conditions:
(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.
Unlike in some states, which limit self-administration to "emergency" medications, there is no such limitation here. 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.
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.
Resources:
For more information, see the following helpful resources: