The "Universal Public School Nurses for Safer Students Amendment Act of 2025" aims to enhance the health services available in District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools by mandating a minimum of 40 hours of nursing coverage per week at each school starting August 1, 2028. This legislation addresses the current inadequacy of nurse coverage, which poses risks to student health. Additionally, the bill establishes a new program under DC Health that provides school nurses with up to $10,000 annually for student loan repayment and other educational expenses, thereby promoting recruitment and retention of qualified nursing staff in schools.

To implement these changes, the bill amends the District of Columbia Public School Nurse Assignment Act of 1987, specifically by inserting provisions that require the assignment of registered nurses to each public and public charter school and repealing existing subsections that may conflict with this new requirement. The legislation also outlines the establishment of a School Nurse Recruitment and Retention Loan Repayment Program, detailing eligibility criteria, application processes, and the administration of funds to support school nurses financially. Overall, this act seeks to ensure that every student has access to necessary health services while supporting the professional development of school nurses.