SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6662
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As of February 6, 2008
Title: An act relating to school nurses.
Brief Description: Increasing the number of school nurses.
Sponsors: Senators Kauffman, McAuliffe, Hobbs, Keiser, Tom, Marr, Kilmer, Rasmussen, Kohl-Welles, McDermott, Weinstein, Spanel and Shin; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/07/08.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)
Background: The state allocates funds to school districts based primarily on a ratio of students
to staff, including certificated administrators, certificated instructional staff (teachers, librarians,
nurses, counselors, etc.), classified staff (teacher aides, secretaries, custodians, nurses, etc.), and
non-employee related costs (NERC). The state does not mandate a specific use or spending
pattern to school districts for these funds. Expenditure of these funds are largely at the discretion
of the school district. The most recent personnel report by the Office of the Superintendent of
Public Instruction (SPI) provides that for the 2005-06 school year, school districts reported that
415 nurses were in the K-12 system. This number does not capture the extent that nursing
services were contracted out, or the number of nurses paid by federal or local funds.
Additionally, since 1999 the state has provided funds to SPI through the biennial budget to create
a corps of nurses at Educational Service Districts (ESDs), to serve the most needy schools and
to provide direct care to students, health education, and training for school staff.
Summary of Bill: Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, the basic education allocation must
phase-in over five years a ratio of one certificated nurse per 750 students and school districts must
provide professional registered nurses as provided by the allocation.
The nurse corp at the ESDs is established in statute, and if funded, requires a school nurse at each
ESD to provide health services to students, annually assess school district health services, provide
technical assistance and consultation to school districts, coordinate and collaborate with
community partners to address school health-related issues, and provide orientation, mentoring
and professional development for school nurses. Beginning December 1, 2008, the SPI must
annually report to the Legislature regarding the school nurse corp.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 31, 2008.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.