Diabetes Care at School

It is important that parents of students with diabetes communicate fully with the school nurse about the student’s needs.  If possible, plan to meet with the nurse prior to the beginning of the school year or before the first day of attendance for students who start later in the school year.

The Plano ISD requires the following forms be signed by the parent/guardian for all students seeking diabetes care while at school: (all forms are linked below) 

1. Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP)English / Spanish signed by the student’s physician (may be the PISD form or similar form from the physician or Diabetes Clinic)
   
   
2. Medication Authorization Forms English / Spanish for use of insulin, glucagon, glucose tablets/gels, etc.
   
   
3. Authorization for Administration of Diabetes Management and Care Services by Unlicensed Diabetes Care Assistant form English / Spanish.
   
   If the student’s parent/guardian chooses not to sign the form, the parent/guardian will be responsible for administration of the diabetes care in the event the school nurse is not available. (This authorization is part of the PISD DMMP and may be included on some physican forms so may not be needed in some instances).
   
   
4. Insulin Pump Physician Orders for students using an insulin pump (may be the PISD form or similar form from the physician or Diabetes Clinic)

A student’s parent/guardian is required to provide all necessary supplies/food for the student with diabetes.

Role of the Unlicensed Diabetes Care Assistant (UDCA)

House Bill No. 984 (Care of the Student with Diabetes) enacted in 2005, specifies that each school train one (1) unlicensed diabetes care assistant (UDCA), if a full-time nurse is assigned to the school. In order to protect the safety and health of students, the Plano ISD has chosen to have a minimum of three (3) UDCAs trained at each campus, in addition to the nurse. Training of the UDCAs is provided under the supervision of a health care professional with expertise in the care of persons with diabetes. The UDCAs will provide diabetes management and care services, if the nurse is unavailable. Such services include, but are not limited to, the administration of insulin, or in an emergency, the administration of glucagon.