Bill > A05360

This bill mandates that every school district and board of cooperative educational services (BOCES) must employ at least one registered professional nurse in each school building, removing previous language that made such employment optional. The bill amends existing education law to require school health services to include a registered professional nurse's services without the previous caveat of "if one is employed" and changes the permissive language of "may" to "shall" regarding nurse employment. By doing so, the legislation ensures that all public schools in New York will have a dedicated school nurse, who will aid the director of school health services and perform duties consistent with their professional practice act. The bill represents a significant shift in approach to school health services, transforming nurse staffing from a discretionary option to a mandatory requirement, which could improve student health monitoring, medical support, and overall school healthcare infrastructure.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5360