The bill establishes a tiered salary system for school nurses in New Mexico, ensuring that their minimum salaries align with those of teachers. It introduces a new program unit for the national board certification of school nurses, which will allow school districts to receive additional funding based on the number of certified nurses they employ. The bill amends existing law to include provisions for calculating program costs related to school nurses and outlines the responsibilities of local school boards in prioritizing resources for public education.

Additionally, the bill creates a structured licensure system for school nurses, consisting of three levels: Level One, Level Two, and Level Three. Each level has specific requirements, including mentorship, performance evaluations, and minimum salary standards that correspond to teacher salaries at the same level. The legislation aims to enhance the professional development of school nurses and ensure that they meet competency standards, thereby improving the quality of healthcare services provided in schools.

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