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 The previous requirement for school nurses to obtain a license from the Department of Education has been repealed, which is a significant change in the law.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 requirement that previously cost $120 for a three-year period. With approximately 450 current license holders, the loss of income from these fees will affect the Department of Education's funding. Local expenditures related to this bill are indeterminable, and it is unclear how this change will impact state or local school district budgets.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 200:29