Relating to a notification requirement if a public school campus or open-enrollment charter school does not have a nurse assigned to the campus during all instructional hours.
The bill amends Chapter 38 of the Education Code by introducing Section 38.021, which mandates a systematic approach to communicating the absence of nurses in schools. This requirement is particularly significant in that it highlights the need for adequate healthcare provision within educational institutions, fostering a proactive dialogue between schools and families about student health. Schools with multiple nurses can comply by showing that their combined staffing effectively covers student needs during regular instructional hours.
Senate Bill 418 establishes a notification requirement for public schools and open-enrollment charter schools that do not have a full-time nurse present during instructional hours. Specifically, if a school lacks a nurse for more than 30 consecutive instructional days within the same school year, it must provide written notice to the parents or guardians of students enrolled at the school. This aims to ensure that parents are informed about the health care resources available to their children while at school, helping to address concerns related to student health and safety.
Notably, the legislation excludes school districts located in counties with populations under 100,000 from the notification requirement. This exclusion raises questions regarding equity and access to health resources in smaller communities. Some stakeholders may argue that all students, regardless of their district's size, deserve the same level of health care notification and transparency, citing that the absence of a school nurse can impact student wellbeing significantly, irrespective of the school district's demographic situation.