During the 2015-16 legislative session, legislation was filed and passed in relation to School Nurse Certification. This is now law under Title XV Education, Chapter 299, Health and Sanitation, 200:29. A new bill, House Bill 1217, has been filed to repeal the current law on school nurse certification. This would be a mistake.
Certification assures that school nurses are prepared to provide the necessary health care services that children need to reach their educational potential. Certified school nurses have the additional education necessary for their involvement as a member of the educational team in planning for students with special education needs.
P.L. 94-142 mandates that each child shall be educated in the least restrictive environment, which means in our public schools for the majority of students. The special health care needs of children in schools today include acute, chronic, complex and handicapping conditions. Today, more than ever, there is a need for certified school nurses.
One concern cited is the unavailability of “qualified RNs.” There is an exception available for RNs who do not meet full requirement for certification when hired. Up to six years is offered for the professional growth necessary to become fully certified. This is not uncommon, as certification available in other nursing specialties may also be acquired over a period of years. All educational staff have to meet certification standards required for their specialty and can apply for provisional certification while working toward this goal.
Certification of school nurses is a necessary standard and should not be lowered at the expense of our children’s health and education.
As former teachers and educational specialists, we urge all concerned citizens and parents to contact their state representatives to request that they defeat HB 1217.
(Barbara Ward and Beth Corcoran of Concord are a retired school nurses and educators, and co-presidents of Merrimack Valley Retired Educators. Barbara French of Henniker is a retired school nurse and educator, and a former state representative.)