Representative Nelson advocates for Hannah's Law to protect Oregon students' health care

Oregon's Senate Committee on Health Care convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of students in schools. A key focus of the meeting was House Bill 2948, known as Hannah's Law, which seeks to ensure that clinical nursing decisions in schools are made exclusively by qualified licensed nurses.

State Representative Travis Nelson, a registered nurse with two decades of experience, presented the bill, highlighting the current risks posed by non-nurses supervising school nurses. He emphasized that this lack of qualified oversight has already led to harmful incidents, including one involving a student named Hannah, after whom the bill is named. Nelson stressed that the bill would not only protect students but also uphold the integrity of nursing practice in educational settings.

Hannah's Law proposes that only registered nurses be allowed to supervise, evaluate, or assign tasks related to nursing practice, while school administrators can still oversee non-clinical duties. This measure aligns with similar protections already in place in Washington state and has garnered support from various stakeholders, including parents, the Oregon School Nurses Association, and the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

The bill is designed to be easily implemented by school districts without incurring additional costs, ensuring that students receive safe and effective health care. Nelson urged the committee to support House Bill 2948, reinforcing the need for professional respect and support for school nurses.

The meeting also included discussions on other bills, with the committee ensuring that all voices were heard before concluding the public hearing. As the legislative process continues, the implications of Hannah's Law could significantly impact the quality of health care provided to Oregon's students, setting a precedent for nursing practices in schools across the state.