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House OKs bill to let trained volunteers administer glucagon to diabetics in schools
Summary
Senate Bill 8 allows students with diabetes to carry prescribed medication, authorizes volunteer training to administer glucagon with liability protection, and passed the House unanimously. Lawmakers noted the state’s low school-nurse staffing and emphasized training and parental/medical authorization.
The Utah House on Feb. 1 passed Senate Bill 8 to standardize diabetes care in schools by allowing self-medication with a prescription and parental note and by permitting trained volunteers to administer glucagon with immunity from liability.
"One of the things it does is it allows the kids with diabetes to have their self medication, and their implements for self medication with them as long as they have a prescription from the doctor and a note from the parents," Representative Dayton said while describing the bill’s three main provisions: self-medication, volunteer training to respond to severe hypoglycemia, and legal protections for volunteers.
Representative Dayton said training to administer glucagon can be brief — "10 to 20 minutes" — and that medical professionals or school nurses typically conduct the instruction. Lawmakers backed the bill in part because of shortages in school nursing: Representative Jones told members that the state has "approximately 1 school nurse for approximately 6,000 students," noting the importance of volunteer capacity in many districts.
The bill includes immunity for volunteers who have been trained and do not act negligently. Supporters said the measure fills an urgent care gap for students with diabetes; the House passed SB8, 69–0, and the bill will be returned to the Senate for signature.
What happens next: Sponsors said school nurses or medical professionals will generally provide the training; implementation will depend on local school policies and any Department of Health guidance.
