Bill > HB195

This bill establishes a comprehensive tiered licensure and salary system for school nurses in New Mexico, creating three distinct professional levels with specific requirements and salary standards. For level one, nurses receive a provisional three-year license, requiring a formal mentorship program, annual performance evaluations, and holding either an associate or baccalaureate degree in nursing with registered nurse licensure; their minimum salary will match a level one teacher's salary for a standard nine-and-a-half-month contract. Level two licensure, valid for nine years, is granted to nurses with at least three years of nursing experience or successful completion of level one, with annual competency demonstrations and a minimum salary equivalent to a level two teacher's salary. Level three licensure, also a nine-year credential, is awarded to nurses who have been level two nurses for at least three years, hold a post-baccalaureate degree or national board certification for school nurses, and demonstrate nursing leadership competencies, with their minimum salary matching a level three-A teacher's salary. The bill additionally creates a program unit for national board-certified school nurses, allowing districts to receive additional funding for nurses who obtain this advanced certification. The overall goal appears to be professionalizing school nursing, ensuring high-quality healthcare in educational settings, and providing clear career progression and compensation pathways for school nurses.

Education

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=195&year=25