This bill amends the certification requirements for school nurses in New Hampshire by allowing a superintendent to nominate and a school board to appoint a school nurse who must be a registered professional nurse currently licensed by the board of nursing. The previous requirement for school nurses to obtain a license from the Department of Education has been repealed, which is a significant change in the law. The new legal language states that a school nurse will function within the school health program and be provided with the necessary facilities and equipment.

The fiscal impact of this bill is projected to result in a decrease in revenue for the Education Credentialing Fund, estimated at $18,000 per year starting in FY 2027, due to the elimination of the licensing fee for school nurses. Currently, there are about 450 license holders, and the licensing fee is $120 for a three-year period. While the bill does not specify the exact impact on state or local school district expenditures, it indicates that these costs are indeterminable. The bill is set to take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 200:29