Legislation Addresses Emergency Diabetes Situations

Legislation Addresses Emergency
Diabetes Situations

The Assembly Education Committee discussed on Feb. 28 a proposal that authorizes trained school volunteers to administer glucagon and insulin to a diabetic student in an emergency.

The proposal, Assembly Committee Substitute for A-267, authorizes a parent or guardian to request the use of an individualized health care plan for their diabetic child, and it provides for the emergency administration of glucagon for diabetic students. A similar version of the bill had been introduced in past years, and NJSBA had voiced concerns about various aspects of the proposal.

The Assembly Committee Substitute says the school nurse has the primary responsibility for the emergency administration of glucagon to a diabetic student who is experiencing severe hypoglycemia.

Training Required It also provides that school staff volunteers, after proper training, shall be allowed to administer glucagon to a student experiencing severe hypoglycemia in an emergency when a school nurse is not available.

The Assembly Education Committee took testimony on the substitute for A-267, but it did not release the bill.

The bill has a provision to address liability for good-faith actions of school staff, but NJSBA has requested an amendment to further strengthen the bill’s liability provisions.

The bill’s sponsors, in collaboration with NJSBA and other stakeholders, are attempting to address the concerns that have been raised.