Bill Summaries: H 765 PUBLIC SCHOOL MEDICAL ASSISTANTS.

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  • Summary date: Apr 20 2023 - View Summary

    Directs the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to establish a Supervising School Nurse Pilot Program (program) for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years to enable public school units to hire or contract for personnel to provide school nursing services as a "school medical assistant," defined as a person who works under the supervision of a certified school nurse employed by a public school unit. Directs the State Board of Education (State Board) to develop eligibility criteria to serve as an assistant that includes requiring a two-year degree or equivalent training and experience. Lists five professionals eligible to be assistants, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse aids I and II, national certified medical assistants, and emergency medical technicians. Requires the supervising school nurse to work with the unit's governing body to develop a written policy regarding the use of assistants based on local needs and student population, with the policy required to be adopted by August 1, 2024. Allows for any unit with at least one full-time certified school nurse to register with DPI to participate in the program by April 15, 2024, and requires DPI to maintain a list of participating schools. Allows funding assistants from the instruction support allotment or other available sources. Grants the State Board authority to adopt temporary implementing rules until permanent rules are adopted. Requires adoption of rules regarding assistant eligibility and use by January 15, 2024. Terminates authority under the program at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Directs DPI to annually report to the specified NCGA committee, beginning February 15, 2025, regarding program participants and outcomes as described.