Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 216 - Department of health
Chapter 20 - Community Health
Subchapter 10 - Screening, Medical Services, and Reporting
Part 4 - School Health Programs
Section 216-RICR-20-10-4.22 - Diabetes Care Management

Universal Citation: 216 RI Code of Rules 20 10 4.22

Current through March 20, 2024

A. Each school district must develop a policy or protocol that allows students who are diagnosed with diabetes to self-manage their disease whenever possible. The policy or protocol must be developed in collaboration with licensed health care providers, parents, students, school nurses and administrators, as appropriate.

B. Such policy or protocol must require no less than the following:

1. Developing an individualized health care plan (IHCP) and an emergency care plan (ECP/EHCP);

2. Permitting self-testing in the classroom or other appropriate place(s) on the school campus or at school-sponsored activities, as designated in the IHCP;

3. Permitting healthy snacks in the classroom or other appropriate place(s) on the school campus or at school-sponsored activities, as designated in the IHCP;

4. Permitting bathroom and water fountain privileges in the classroom or other appropriate place(s) on the school campus or at school-sponsored activities as designated in the IHCP,

5. Ensuring the accompaniment of a symptomatic student to a health area by a designated adult, per the IHCP and the ECP/EHCP, unless such action puts the student at increased health risk.

C. The student's IHCP and EHCP must be part of their permanent school health record and be developed by the school nurse in collaboration with the student's health care provider, the parents/guardians of the student, and the student (if appropriate).

4.22.1 Glucagon Administration

A. As part of the ECP/EHCP, a parent or legal guardian may authorize school employees (or those employed on behalf of the school), for when there is no school nurse immediately available, to administer glucagon on such student in case of an emergency, while at school or school-sponsored activities.
1. A parent or legal guardian must provide a diabetes management plan or physician's order, signed by the student's health care provider, that prescribes the care and assistance needed by the student including glucagon administration.

2. The glucagon must be kept in a conspicuous place, readily available, but with reasonable provisions made for the safekeeping and security of the glucagon, so that the security of the medication will not be compromised.

3. Glucagon administration training may be provided by a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practiced registered nurse, or registered nurse, however in no case shall school nurses be required to provide the training.
a. The school administration shall allow properly trained staff to voluntarily assist with the emergency administration of glucagon when authorized by a parent or legal guardian.

b. A school employee, including administrative staff, shall not be subject to penalty or disciplinary action for refusing to be trained in glucagon administration.

c. The training and supervision of personnel, other than the school nurse, who provide emergency medical assistance to students under this section, shall be governed by performance standards and guidelines developed by the Rhode Island Department of Health, in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association, and the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Such personnel shall be authorized to provide such assistance only upon successful completion of glucagon administration training.

4. No school teacher, school administrator, school health care personnel, person employed on behalf of the school, any other school personnel, nor any local educational authority shall be liable for civil damages which may result from acts or omissions in use of glucagon which may constitute ordinary negligence. This immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton conduct.

B. All school personnel who may be involved in the care of a student who has been diagnosed with diabetes must be informed of the IHCP and the ECP/EHCP, as appropriate.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Rhode Island may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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