Minnesota Senate Bill SF2256

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/6/23

Caption

School health services provision

Impact

The bill will amend Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 121A.21, thereby impacting existing regulations regarding the provision of health services within schools. One significant change is the requirement for each school board or charter administrator to employ at least one full-time equivalent licensed school nurse in schools with a minimum daily membership of 500 students. Schools with fewer students can collaborate with other districts to meet this requirement. This shift is likely to improve health service accessibility for students, especially in larger districts, by ensuring qualified personnel are available to address health needs effectively.

Summary

SF2256 is a bill that aims to enhance school health services in Minnesota by establishing clear mandates for school districts to promote the health of their students. It defines the parameters of school health services to include health promotion, disease prevention, individual health care planning for chronic conditions, urgent health condition recognition, and collaboration with local health providers. The bill takes a comprehensive approach to student health, necessitating that every school board or charter school administrator provide these essential health services, thereby ensuring a uniform standard across educational institutions in the state.

Contention

While the intent of SF2256 is to bolster student health services, discussions around the bill could highlight concerns regarding its financial implications for smaller districts. Critics may argue that the mandated presence of licensed school nurses in larger numbers could stretch budgets thin, particularly in rural or underfunded areas. Additionally, some stakeholders might express that centralizing health provisions could overlook specific local health needs, calling into question the flexibility of school districts to tailor health services according to their unique demographics.