SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5939

BYSenators Rinehart, Warnke, Smitherman, Bender, Niemi, Murray, Moore and Bauer

Creating the school nurse health program.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989

Senate Staff:Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

AS OF FEBRUARY 27, 1989

BACKGROUND:

School districts may choose whether or not to provide school nursing programs.  Although evaluation of immunizations and screening for hearing, vision and scoliosis are required, medically trained staff are not required to be provided by school districts.

SUMMARY:

The school nurse health program is created.  A school nurse is defined as a nurse with educational staff associate certification.

Beginning in the 1989-90 school year, one nurse is required for every 2,000 full-time-equivalent students.  In 1990- 91, the ratio is reduced to one nurse for every 1,500 FTE students.  In 1991-92 and 1992-93, the ratio is one nurse for every 1,000 FTE students in the regular classroom, one nurse for every 250 mainstreamed handicapped students and one nurse for every 125 FTE severely and profoundly handicapped students.

The nurse is responsible for health services and programs in the schools.  The nurse may be responsible for the supervision and implementation of health-related curriculum including, but not limited to, AIDS prevention.

By January 1, 1991, the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall report to the Legislature on the implementation and impact of the program and whether the program should become part of basic education in 1993.

Appropriation:    An unspecified amount to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 24, 1989