This bill amends existing New Jersey law to allow registered nurses who hold a multistate license, as established by the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), to qualify for various educational services certificates related to school nursing. Specifically, it permits these nurses to obtain an educational services certificate with a school nurse endorsement, a school nurse/non-instructional endorsement, and a substitute school nurse/non-instructional credential. The bill includes several amendments to current statutes, including the addition of language that specifies eligibility requirements for these endorsements, such as being licensed as a registered nurse under both the existing law and the new multistate licensing provisions.

Key changes in the bill include the insertion of language that allows for the recognition of multistate licenses and the deletion of outdated definitions regarding medically fragile students. The bill clarifies that a school district may employ non-certified nurses alongside certified school nurses, provided they are in the same school building. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance the pool of qualified school nurses by recognizing multistate licenses, thereby improving access to nursing services in New Jersey's public schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:40-3.3, 18A:40-3.5, 18A:40-3.7, 18A:40-3.8