An Act increasing access to emergency diabetes management medication

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Barry Finegold

Allows trained non-nurse school staff to administer glucagon during severe hypoglycemia when no nurse is available, with parental consent, orders, and liability protections.

House concurred

Summary: An Act increasing access to emergency diabetes management medication (SD 2244)

Overview

SD 2244, titled An Act increasing access to emergency diabetes management medication, seeks to expand the ability to administer glucagon in schools during episodes of severe hypoglycemia when a school nurse is not available. The bill would require the Department of Public Health (DPH) to establish regulations governing this emergency administration, in accordance with a student’s Diabetes Medical Management Plan or a health provider’s orders. It provides liability protections for trained school staff who administer glucagon in good faith, requires written parental consent, and clarifies that trained staff who administer glucagon are not practicing nursing. The bill is a Massachusetts proposed law that advanced to House concurrence and has been referred to the Education committee.

Key Provisions

Amends Section 54B of Chapter 71 (General Laws) to add regulatory authority for emergency glucagon administration in schools.

Allowance for glucagon administration by trained school staff when a nurse is not available, in accordance with:

The student’s Diabetes Medical Management Plan, or
Health provider’s orders.

Conditions for administration:

Parent/guardian must provide written permission for emergency treatment.

Liability and discipline protections:

A school staff member who, in good faith, administers glucagon shall not be liable for damages (except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct).
The staff member shall not be subject to disciplinary action for providing emergency aid.
A trained non-nurse staff member administering glucagon shall not be considered to be practicing nursing.
A trained glucagon administrator shall volunteer to be trained.

Training:

Training for glucagon administration is voluntary for staff; those who are trained may administer glucagon in emergencies.

Regulative timeline:

DPH must promulgate regulations for the emergency administration of glucagon within 180 days of enactment.

Affected Parties

Students with diabetes who require glucagon during severe hypoglycemic episodes.

Parents/guardians of these students (must provide written consent).

School personnel (including non-nurses) who may be trained to administer glucagon.

School districts and administrators, responsible for implementing the policy and training.

Department of Public Health, which will promulgate the accompanying regulations.

Timing and Procedural Context

Introduced: February 27, 2025.

Legislative actions: Referred to the Committee on Education (2025-02-27); House concurred (status indicates House has concurred with Senate version).

Regulatory deadline: DPH must issue regulations within 180 days of enactment.

Potential Impact

Faster and more accessible emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia in schools, potentially reducing delays in administering glucagon.

Clear protections for school staff acting in good faith; supports learning environments where students’ health needs can be managed promptly.

Requires parental consent for emergency treatment and relies on Diabetes Medical Management Plans or provider orders to guide administration.

Implementation hinges on timely DPH rulemaking and school-based training programs.