California Supreme Court Rules in School Insulin Case

By Harry Gibbons

The ruling reverses a decision in a Sacramento court that only licensed school nurses could administer the shots.

Dr. Francisco Prieto is with the American Diabetes Association. He said the ruling is necessary to keep students at understaffed schools safe.

“Most schools do not have a full time nurse present all day long and kids with diabetes need care," said Prieto.

The American Nurses Association filed the original case. It says the high court ruling could endanger diabetic students by allowing nonprofessionals to give injections. Maureen Cones is the Associate General Counsel for the Association.

“Insulin can be lethal if administered improperly, so we do see a risk to students," said Cones.

The American Nurses Association is considering an appeal to the US Supreme Court.