Committee hears substitute to consolidate diabetes-care rules for Virginia schools; action postponed

Senate Bill 13-03, a measure to consolidate and update Virginia law on diabetes management in schools, was presented to the House Committee on Education and taken "by for the day" after the committee adopted a substitute and heard extended testimony.

The substitute, offered by Senator McPike, would combine several provisions into a single, updated code section addressing diabetes management in schools, clarify how diabetes management medical plans (DMMPs) should be implemented, limit a requirement for glucagon to schools that have a diagnosed student with a DMMP in place, and make certain training levels permissive in accordance with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) guidance. "Senate Bill 13-03, with the substitute, combines and amends outdated and insufficient Virginia codes pertaining to diabetes management care," Senator McPike told the committee.

Supporters told the committee the substitute reflects stakeholder changes made in recent weeks. Carrie Murphy, founder of Follow21Ds, described the condition and the need for statewide…