214.017 Caregiver of individual with diabetes may administer or assist with self-
606 words·~3 min read·
/ky/214-017A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
administration of diabetes medications if the caregiver is appropriately trained
and has the written authorization of the individual's health care practitioner.
(1)The caregiver of an individual who has diabetes may administer or assist with the
self-administration of the medication listed under subsection
(2)of this section if
the caregiver:
(a)Has been trained to administer insulin and glucagon, recognize the signs and
symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and take appropriate steps to
respond to these symptoms by:
1. A physician who is licensed under the provisions of KRS Chapter 311;
2. An advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, or licensed
practical nurse who is licensed under the provisions of KRS Chapter
314; or
3. Any other health care professional with diabetes treatment within his or
her scope of practice; and
(b)Has the written authorization of the health care practitioner for an individual
who has diabetes. The written authorization shall contain the following
information:
1. The individual's name;
2. The name and purpose of the medication;
3. The prescribed dosage;
4. The route of administration;
5. The frequency with which the medication may be administered; and
6. The circumstances under which the medication may be administered.
(2)A caregiver of an individual who has diabetes who meets the criteria under
subsection
(1)of this section may administer or assist with the self-administration
of:
(a)Glucagon subcutaneously, to individuals with diabetes who are experiencing
hypoglycemia or other conditions noted in the health care practitioner's written
statement under subsection (1)(b) of this section; and
(b)Insulin subcutaneously, through the insulin delivery method used by the
individual and at the times and under the conditions noted in the health care
practitioner's written statement under subsection (1)(b) of this section.
(3)The written authorization required under subsection (1)(b) of this section shall be
kept on file by the authorizing health care practitioner.
(4)The health care practitioner or the caregiver shall inform the individual who has
diabetes or the individual's guardian that the health care practitioner, the caregiver,
or his or her employer shall not incur any liability as a result of any injury sustained
by the individual from any reaction to any medication listed under subsection
(2)of
this section to treat a hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episode or its administration,
unless the injury is the result of negligence or misconduct on behalf of the health
care practitioner, the caregiver, or his or her employer. The individual or guardian
of the individual shall sign a written statement acknowledging that the health care
practitioner, the caregiver, or his or her employer shall incur no liability except as
provided in this subsection, and the individual or guardian of the individual shall
hold harmless the health care practitioner, the caregiver, or his or her employer
against any claims made for any reaction to any medication listed under subsection
(2)of this section to treat a hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episode or its
administration if the reaction is not due to negligence or misconduct on behalf of
the health care practitioner, the caregiver, or his or her employer.
(5)Notwithstanding any other provision of the law to the contrary:
(a)The administration of the medications listed under subsection
(2)of this
section by an authorized caregiver shall not constitute the practice of nursing
and shall be exempt from all applicable statutory and regulatory provisions
that restrict the activities that may be delegated to or performed by a person
who is not a licensed health care professional; and
(b)A licensed health care professional may provide training to or supervise a
caregiver in the administration of the medications listed under subsection
of this section.