MASSACHUSETTS NURSE NEWSLETTER :: May/June 2008

Last March, the MNA testified against H.1139, An Act Authorizing Self Monitoring and Self Treatment for Students with Diabetes. This bill would permit families to determine whether their children can manage their insulin in school without any school nurse oversight. It would also permit unlicensed personnel to inject glucagon into children who are experiencing a serious medical emergency. The MNA, the Massachusetts School Nurse Organization and both of the state’s teachers unions oppose this legislation.

We were relieved when just weeks ago the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing voted to send the bill to a study. Late in 2007, MNA was invited by the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Louis Kafka (D-Stoughton), to meet with other parties—both pro and con— to try to find common ground. Because of the complex issues covered in the bill, the initial conversation was focused solely on the self-administration sections, with plans for further discussion at a later date on the glucagon section.

As a result of productive discussions, the bill’s proponents have agreed to table the selfmanagement language as presently included in H.1139. In exchange, all parties agreed that parents and students need and deserve more information about their rights and responsibilities, including information about resources for resolution of challenges to the child’s independent management of their diabetes. This can be accomplished through regulation, rather than a change in the law. We are proud to have been part of the team that negotiated this compromise, which we think is good for children, schools and nurses.

The issue of emergency administration of glucagon by non-medical staff has been more difficult to resolve. The MNA, along with MSNO and the Massachusetts Teachers Association have continued discussions with the ADA on this issue, but have been unable to resolve basic differences of opinion. The MNA and MSNO continue to strongly advocate for nursing assessment as part of diabetic care for students and oppose a change to the Nurse Practice Act that would delegate nursing care, including administering glucagon. If you have questions or concerns regarding H.1139, please contact Mary Sue Howlett, RN at mhowlett@mnarn.org or 781-830-5793.

		MNA President Beth Piknick and Region 3 Chair Peggy Kilroy join Rep. Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown) at a March 1 fundraiser held in her name.

A special thanks
A special thank you is extended to the following vendors who contributed to the success of the MNA National Nurses Day celebration May 6 at the Hynes Convention Center: Affinity Marketing Group aka TNT VACATION, Staples Business Advantage, Croc’s Retail, Inc. , Whole Person Health, Best Cellars, T-Mobile, AT&T, New Balance, Colonial Insurance, Reliant Mortgage, Sasse, Inc., Entertainment Cruises, First Trade Union Bank, Mindshift Technologies, WBMX-FM – Mix 98.5, Duggan Travel, Work’N Gear, The College Network, Beauty & Bliss, Barnes & Noble, Mr. John’s Limousine, Tuxedos by Merian, Adventure in Advertising, The Clog Shoppe, Nursing Services Organizing (NSO).