Diabetes at school, by state

Type 1 diabetes at school in California

What California law and the state’s own guidance say about insulin, glucagon, supplies and phones at school, with each source quoted. Checked 2026-10-06.

Can trained school staff give insulin?

Yes

The California Supreme Court held that state law lets trained, unlicensed school staff give prescription medicine such as insulin under a physician's written statement and parent consent (American Nurses Assn. v. Torlakson (2013), citing Cal. Educ. Code §§ 49423, 49423.6). (cde.ca.gov (PDF))

Can trained school staff give glucagon?

With limits

When no credentialed school nurse or other licensed nurse is onsite, a school district may train volunteer school employees to give glucagon for severe hypoglycemia (Cal. Educ. Code § 49414.5, added by AB 942 (2003)). (leginfo.ca.gov)

Can a student carry supplies and manage diabetes at school?

Yes

With a parent's written request and the health care provider's authorization, a student who can self-test may test blood glucose and do other diabetes self-care in the classroom, anywhere on school grounds, and at any school activity (Cal. Educ. Code § 49414.5). The section does not mention carrying supplies. (leginfo.ca.gov)

Does the state publish a diabetes care plan form or guidelines?

Yes

The California Department of Education publishes a Diabetes Management page with the K.C. Settlement Agreement and Legal Advisory on school duties for students who need insulin. No state DMMP form was found. (cde.ca.gov)

Can a student keep a phone for the CGM in class?

Yes

Each local educational agency must adopt a smartphone policy by July 1, 2026, and the policy may not stop a student from having or using a smartphone when a licensed physician determines it is necessary for the student's health (Cal. Educ. Code § 48901.7). The law does not name diabetes or CGM. (aedn.assembly.ca.gov (PDF))

Also in California

California's glucagon and self-care rules come from AB 942 (2003), which added Education Code § 49414.5. Insulin by unlicensed staff rests on the California Supreme Court decision American Nurses Assn. v. Torlakson (2013). The smartphone sources are Assembly Education Committee bill analyses that restate existing law. (leginfo.ca.gov; cde.ca.gov (PDF))

Federal law applies in every state

Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act can cover a student with diabetes at a public school in every state, whatever the state law says; a 504 plan is where the student’s care at school is written down. The federal rules, with sources.

Sources, quoted

• cde.ca.gov (PDF): “In fact, California law expressly permits trained, unlicensed school personnel to administer prescription medications such as insulin in accordance with the written statements of a student‟s treating physician and parents”
• leginfo.ca.gov: “In the absence of a credentialed school nurse or other licensed nurse onsite at the school, each school district may provide school personnel with voluntary emergency medical training to provide emergency medical assistance to pupils with diabetes suffering from severe hypoglycemia”
• leginfo.ca.gov: “"Emergency medical assistance" means the administration of glucagon to a pupil who is suffering from severe hypoglycemia.”
• leginfo.ca.gov: “In the case of a pupil who is able to self-test and monitor his or her blood glucose level, upon written request of the parent or guardian, and with authorization of the licensed health care provider of the pupil, a pupil with diabetes shall be permitted to test his or her blood glucose level and to otherwise provide diabetes self-care in the classroom, in any area of the school or school grounds, during any school-related activity”
• cde.ca.gov: “The settlement agreement and Legal Advisory spell out the legal responsibilities of a school district in cases when a student is identified, by an Individualized Education Program or 504 team, for special education and related services as a result of diabetes, and when that student requires administration of insulin during the school day.” (the site blocks automated checks; checked by hand)
• aedn.assembly.ca.gov (PDF): “Requires a pupil to not be prohibited from possessing or using a smartphone under any of the following circumstances: a) In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger;”
• aedn.assembly.ca.gov (PDF): “c) When a licensed physician and surgeon determines that the possession or use of a smartphone is necessary for the health or well-being of the pupil;”
• leginfo.ca.gov: “Section 49414.5 is added to the Education Code, to read:”
• cde.ca.gov (PDF): “This case presents a dispute over whom state law permits to administer that insulin.”

Legal information, not legal advice. Laws change; the source page is the authority when it differs, and this page is rechecked each July. For help with a school, the American Diabetes Association’s legal advocates answer at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).