BILL NUMBER: S4953
SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to public school nurse
staffing determinations in consultation with a nursing association
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation requires all public school districts and boards of
cooperative educational services employ at least one registered profes-
sional nurse in each school building.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subdivision I of Section 901 of the Education Law to
require that all public schools in New York State employ a registered
professional nurse for the provision of school health services.
Section 2 amends paragraph b of subdivision 2 of Section 902 of the
Education Law requires all public school districts and boards of cooper-
ative educational services employ at least one registered professional
nurse in each school building.
Section 3 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Nurses are the primary caregivers in our public schools. This legis-
lation simply seeks to codify in law what is already in current practice
in many districts. Excluding larger cities, New York State Education
Department data indicates that on average there is one registered
professional nurse for every 600 students.
With increased homeland security and violence issues in schools; nurses
will be responsible for triage and emergency care. Their prior training
and skill enables the treatment of students and staff in acute situ-
ations. Nurses may also play a vital role in creating district and
building safety plans as required by New York's SAVE laws of 2000.
The school nurse is also responsible for assessing the physical, mental
and emotional needs of all students, demonstrating the ability to inter-
vene by making appropriate referrals, advocating for learners and
providing ongoing support and counseling. The presence of a nurse to
adequately address such situations is paramount to academic success. The
promotion of health and wellness through health education and counsel
provides for optimum levels of fitness and readiness for learning.
Further, there has been a significant increase in the number of students
in schools with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, cerebral
palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder. Many of these students need technological support, requiring
tube feeding, blood/glucose monitoring, catheterization, seizure manage-
ment and the administration of various medications, which can only be
provided by a licensed nurse. Additionally, nurses ensure compliance
with mandated school health services such as immunizations, physical
exams and screenings for vision, hearing, and scoliosis.
With such an extraordinary spectrum of responsibilities, it is clear
that no school should be without such a professional as a responsible,
trusted member of its workforce.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-2022: S.4782 - Referred to Education/A.666 - Referred to Education
2019-2020: A.553 - Referred to Education
2017-2018: A.152 - Referred to Education
2015-2016: A.1518 - Referred to Education
2013-2014: A.1374 - Referred to Education
2011-2012: A.21 - Referred to Education
2009-2010: A.9411 - Referred to Education
2007-2008: A.378-A - Amend and Recommit to Education/S.5403-A - Amend
and Recommit to Education
2005-2006: A.4261 - Referred to Education/S.2750 - Referred to Education
2003-2004: A.208 - Referred to Education/S.2111 - Referred to Education
2001-2002: A.10557 - Referred to Education/S.7418 - Referred to Rules
 
STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The cost for requiring a school nurse in public schools is minimal.
Medicaid reimbursement is available to school districts for some nursing
services.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4953: 902 education law, 902(2) education law