2012-19

Keeping Children with Diabetes Safe at School

AS AMENDED SENATOR EDDIE LUCIO JR. (TX) INTRODUCED NATIONAL SUMMIT HEALTH CARE & EDUCATION TASK FORCES

WHEREAS, diabetes is a disease the affects the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States; and

WHEREAS, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults in the United States; and

WHEREAS, diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke; and

WHEREAS, about 215,000 people younger than 20 years had diabetes (type 1 and type 2) in the United States in 2010; and

WHEREAS, each year, more than 13,000 young people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

WHEREAS, researchers at the Center for Disease Control estimate that among the new cases of childhood diabetes, the proportion of those with type 2 diabetes ranges between 8 percent and 43 percent.

WHEREAS, most children who develop type 2 diabetes are American Indian, African American, Asian, or Hispanic/Latino.

WHEREAS, children with diabetes require daily care including insulin/medication administration, blood glucose checks throughout the day, assistance with nutrition calculations, and prompt recognition of diabetes emergencies including hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) to avoid serious medical complications and to be best positioned to achieve academic success and normal growth at school; and

WHEREAS, many schools do not have a full-time nurse or licensed healthcare professional available on-site to provide daily care and address diabetes emergencies, and diabetes care can be safely provided by other school personnel who have received training; and

WHEREAS, many students with diabetes are able to self-manage their diabetes; and

WHEREAS, 27 states have already enacted state legislation permitting schools to identify school personnel to volunteer to be trained to provide diabetes care to students.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NHCSL supports efforts in the states to permit schools: (1) to provide training to all school staff members that includes a basic understanding of diabetes and the student’s needs, how to identify medical emergencies, and which school staff members to contact in the event of a diabetes emergency; (2) to provide training by a qualified health care professional to school staff members in routine and emergency diabetes who are authorized to provide care when a school nurse is not available on-site; and (3) permit students who possess the necessary skills and maturity to self-manage their diabetes in the classroom or wherever they are in conjunction with a school activity.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED AND RATIFIED ON NOVEMBER 17, 2012 AT THE NHCSL ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO.

Sponsored by: Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. (TX)
Senator Rene Garcia (FL)
Representative Roberto Alonzo (TX)