The bill establishes a tiered salary system for school nurses in New Mexico, aligning their minimum salaries with those of teachers. It introduces a new framework for licensure, creating three levels of school nurse licenses: Level One, Level Two, and Level Three. Each level has specific requirements, including mentorship and competency evaluations, with the minimum salary for each level set to match that of corresponding teacher levels. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts provide mentorship and evaluation for Level One nurses and outlines the conditions under which licenses may be renewed or revoked based on performance.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for program units related to school nurses, specifically for those certified by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses. It stipulates that the number of program units for these nurses will be calculated based on their certification status and employment verification. The bill also emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards for nursing competency and leadership within schools, ensuring that school nurses receive the necessary support and professional development to succeed in their roles.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-8-18
Final Version: 22-8-18