New Ohio law aims to aid schoolchildren with diabetes

A new Ohio law that is set to take effect later this year aims to make it easier for schoolchildren dealing with diabetes to monitor their blood-sugar levels and get the care they need  (Source: “State bill ensures diabetic students have care access,” Youngstown Vindicator, July 5, 2014) 

House Bill 264 requires school boards to ensure that diabetic students have access during the school day to care outlined by their doctors. That includes enabling students to keep close tabs on blood-glucose and ketone levels, administering insulin and other medications as needed and allowing appropriate timing for meals, snacks and physical activity. Medications can be administered by a school nurse, designated employee or, on the written request of parents and authorization of doctors, by students themselves.

HB 264 passed the Ohio House and Senate on near-unanimous votes and was signed by Gov. John Kasich last month. Its provisions take effect in mid-September.