Contraversial diabetes treatment ruling

Insulin injections for students

The article “Supreme Court Decision on Insulin Injections Shapes the States Use of School Nurses” was found online at the California Healthline. This article discussed the decision made by California Supreme Court in the case of American Nurses Association v. Torlakson and its repercussions on diabetic children and nurses. It states there was a unanimous decision made by the states supreme court that will give public schools the right to allow unlicensed, but trained, school personnel to administer insulin to children. The article goes on to explain the risks and benefits for the children involved and also the concern of school nurses for their future employment. While both these topics have implications for the wellbeing of the community, the court’s decision tends to favor the children’s potential health benefits. In the context of the children, there is great benefit to having non-nurse personnel trained to help administer insulin at schools. This will allow children not in the vicinity of school nurses to receive potentially lifesaving injections. Schools may not have school nurses on staff due to budgets or nurses may not be available at the time of a diabetic emergency. The counter argument to this potential lifesaver is that insulin can be a very lethal drug. Strict protocols and training are required for nurses to administer the drug and the American Nurses Association feels that having unlicensed personnel administering the medication are inherently dangerous. This argument also stemmed into unresolved discussions of liability and responsibility of improper use. Additionally, the article discusses the American Nurses Association’s fear that this decision with further decrease the use for school nurses and lead to even fewer jobs in an already declining profession. The state level government decision will have great effects on the public sector of schools and school employees, but also on private sector including nurses.

In general, I believe that this law may be potentially negative for public health in California. I think that this law is not only a liability nightmare but also a step away from a more permanent solution. Depending on the proportions of type I and type II diabetic students, it could be argued that this favors management rather than treatment. Would it not be better to have a well-trained nurse present to administer drugs and also encourage proper treatment (diet, exercise, etc.) for the afflicted youth? If the law were to cause a decrease in the number of school nurses, I believe this would be harmful to public health. Finally, the law’s main purpose is for the safety of the school children in case of an emergency. There is no doubt the proper administration of insulin to children in need would be a positive process for public health. However, it is well known that there are harmful effects to improper administration and this law is essentially allowing less qualified individuals assume the risks of this administration. Do you think non-medical personal should be able to administer insulin injections instead of nurses?

 

Gorn, D. (2013, August 19). Supreme Court Decision on Insulin Injection Shapes the State's Use of School Nurses. California Healthline. Sacramento, California.