SAN ANTONIO -- Parents with children suffering from diabetes know all too well how important it is to monitor their child's blood sugar levels. Some do it themselves, while others rely on school nurses for help. Diabetes is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A growing number of parents however, are saying they face discrimination based on confusion about who is responsible for what. Who should monitor insulin levels or give shots is not spelled out in federal law, leaving some parents sitting all day at school to monitor their child's blood sugar levels.
Currently, some parents have filed complaints with the Justice Department over care for children with diabetes. Attorneys say unfair treatment is taking place everywhere from daycare centers to summer camps.
The American Diabetes Association said it's stressful enough for parents who have a child with diabetes and fighting the system only escalates that stress.
Here's what you to know regarding Texas laws on caring for children with diabetes:- A diabetes management and treatment plan must be developed for each student with diabetes by the student's family and physician.
- The diabetes management and treatment plan must be implemented at school through an individualized health plan created by the school principal, along with the school nurse if a school nurse is assigned to the school.
- Regardless of whether there is a school nurse., the school shall provide the services required by the plan.
- The principal shall seek school staff volunteers to be trained and to serve as unlicensed diabetes care assistants. This shall include:
- At least one unlicensed diabetes care assistant in addition to a full-time nurse at the school.
- At least three unlicensed diabetes care assistants if a full-time nurse is not assigned to the school.
- The school shall ensure that a person trained and able to provide diabetes care is available during the entire school day.
- Unlicensed diabetes care assistants shall receive training including:
- Recognizing and treating hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
- Understanding the individual student's health plan
- Blood glucose monitoring and ketone checks
- Administering glucagon and insulin
- Bus drivers shall receive information identifying the student with diabetes and emergency instructions.
- Students with diabetes may enroll at a school even if that school does not currently have diabetes care assistants.
- Students who are able to self-care may self-administer diabetes care at all times.
- Students may carry diabetes supplies at all times.
