A range of legal issues arise when considering how best to support students with diabetes in the school environment. They include, for example, issues surrounding the lawful possession and administration of prescription medication, the need to obtain consent from parents/guardians so that support may be lawfully provided by school staff, the need to protect the confidentiality and privacy of students and their health information, and the potential risk and liability of those who assist students in the school environment. Some of the below references relate to these different legal issues.
The legal landscape relevant to the management of students’ health conditions in the school environment is complex, particularly due to the mix of federal and state/territory laws. The exact legal position that applies to you will always depend on your individual and surrounding circumstances. The sources provided on this page are for information only and are intended to provide references to relevant laws, policies, and procedures that may apply. The information on this page does not constitute formal legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.
Territory and Commonwealth legislation
Disability Discrimination Act (1992) (Cth)
Poisons legislation and administration of medication policies
Under the federal Poisons Standard, insulin and glucagon are ‘Schedule 4’ medicines (that is, prescription only medicines and likely to always be ‘Schedule 4’ medicines).
Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2022 (NT)
- See section 76, which relates to possession/administration of prescribed substances to a person.
Northern Territory Education Department policies specific to diabetes/health care and reasonable adjustments
Department of Education (NT) Client Form
Health and Well-Being of Students
Student Well-Being and Behaviour Policy (Nov 2019)
Health of Students Policy (April 2018)
Administration of medication procedures
Duty of Care Information Sheet for Schools
Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices in the School Environment Policy (Feb 2011)
Disclaimer
References in this document do not indicate an exclusive course of treatment or procedure to be followed. Variations, considering individual circumstances, may be appropriate. Internet addresses are current at time of publication.
Last updated: April 2025