1. Does New Hampshire allow people who are not health care professionals to administer insulin at school?
Yes. Medicine administration can generally be delegated to unlicensed staff, and there is nothing that specifically prohibits insulin administration. NH Dep't of Educ. Technical Advisory 311.02; NH Code Admin. R. 404.06 (b).
2. Does New Hampshire allow people who are not health care professionals to administer glucagon at school?
Yes. School employees can administer glucagon when a nurse is not present:
A parent or legal guardian of any child may authorize a school employee, or person employed on behalf of the school in cases where there is no school nurse immediately available, to administer glucagon to a child in case of an emergency, while at school or a school sponsored activity. RSA 200:40-b.
3. Does New Hampshire allow students to self-manage diabetes care anytime, anywhere?/strong>
Yes. Guidance from the state Department of Education allows self-management for prescription medications:
[…] For other prescription drugs students normally self-administer, the school nurse may delegate administration to the student themselves if the prescriber and parent/guardian provides written authorization and if school policy supports the practice. Ideally, students should self-administer their medications in a comfortable and clean location either in class or in a nearby location to minimize disruption to their academic day. The school nurse should provide supervision as needed. NH Dep't of Educ. Technical Advisory 311.02.
State law does not specifically mention self-management of other kinds of diabetes care, but there are no barriers, either.
4. Does New Hampshire allow students to carry diabetes supplies such as needles, insulin, and blood glucose testing devices anytime and anywhere?
There is no specific rule on carrying diabetes supplies at school, but there are no barriers, either. Students are allowed to self-carry medications for other health conditions. NH Dep't of Educ. Technical Advisory 311.02. Even if state law is not clear, federal laws may allow capable students to carry diabetes supplies anytime and anywhere. This may be necessary so that children with diabetes can access education just like any other child.
Resources:
For more information, see the following helpful resources:
- New Hampshire Senate Bill 71, 2015 Session "An Act relative to the administration of glucagon injections for children in schools".
- New Hampshire Department of Education Technical Advisory Ed 311.02
- New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, Chapter 326-B, Nurse Practice Act, Section 326-B:43 Exemptions.
- New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules, Nursing 404.01 – 404.09.
- New Hampshire Department of Health Glucagon Administration Training for Non-Medical School Personnel