Universal Public School Nurses for Safer Students Amendment Act of 2024
In addition to the nursing assignment mandate, the bill establishes a School Nurse Recruitment and Retention Loan Repayment Program. This program is designed to incentivize individuals to pursue a career in school nursing within the District. Eligible school nurses can have up to $200,000 of their educational loans repaid over 20 years of service. The program will not only support current school nurses but also function as a recruitment tool to attract new nurses into the district's public schools.
Bill B25-0998, known as the 'Universal Public School Nurses for Safer Students Amendment Act of 2024', mandates that every public and public charter school in the District of Columbia assign a registered nurse for at least 40 hours per week during the academic year. This initiative aims to enhance the health and safety of students by ensuring readily available nursing services. The bill will come into effect beginning August 1, 2028, requiring all schools to comply, regardless of their participation in existing health programs administered by the Department of Health.
During discussions, notable points of contention surfaced regarding the timing of the bill's implementation and its funding mechanisms. Some lawmakers and educational advocates voiced concerns about the state's ability to properly fund and fulfill the requirements set forth by the bill, especially with a looming start date of August 2028. Critics also raised questions about the sustainability of the loan repayment program amidst potential budget constraints, positing that while the intentions behind the bill are commendable, financial and logistical considerations are essential for its successful rollout.