Rutherford County schools report sharp rise in nurse procedures and Medicaid reimbursements; board adopts staffing funding resolution

Shauna Groom, the district health services coordinator, told the Rutherford County Board of Education that school nurses logged thousands of scheduled procedures this school year and increased the district's Medicaid reimbursements.

Groom said the district recorded more than 10,000 scheduled appointments this year and reported large counts of clinical interventions: "over 19,000 insulin doses," more than 36,000 blood-glucose checks, more than 33,000 oral medications administered, more than 5,000 inhaler doses, almost 10,000 tube feedings, and over 3,000 catheterizations. She also reported 772 ventilator- or trach-related procedures and 527 student code-blue events for the year.

Groom told the board the district had received $182,250.06 in Medicaid reimbursements through May 30; because the district pays a 20% administrative fee to its vendor Stellar, she said the net revenue received to the district books was $145,800.05 as of that date. The nurse coordinator said ongoing billing for April–June procedures could increase that total.

The presentation highlighted credentialing and staff development. Groom said Rutherford County Schools employs 21 nationally certified school nurses; she stated Tennessee has 55 nationally certified school nurses statewide. She said certification requires substantial experience, a study period and an exam, and a five‑year renewal with continuing education.

Board members asked how nurse time is allocated between scheduled procedures and walk‑in visits. Groom said the district performed about 62,000 walk‑in visits this year but that number declined from the prior year because nurses spent more time on scheduled clinical procedures and because some students lack parental consent forms required under a new consent law.

Board members pressed on staffing ratios and funding. Groom said the district is ‘‘getting much closer’’ to meeting the new staffing ratio because three growth positions were added for next year but said additional positions will be required when the budget allows. Several board members praised the nurses and urged pursuing state and federal support.

After the presentation the board considered and approved a resolution requesting funding for adequate school nurse staffing. Board member Ms. Sharp moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and approved on a voice vote. The board did not attach a dollar amount to the resolution at the meeting and directed staff to use data gathered by the health services office in future advocacy.

The district also noted an invitation for Groom to present at the AASA (the national superintendents' association) and emphasized that improved Medicaid billing practices and certification efforts had increased revenue and clinical capacity.

Why it matters: Board members said the counts of medical procedures, the Medicaid revenue, and the certification numbers show the clinical role nurses play in keeping students in school and that state funding or policy changes may be needed to sustain expanded services.

The board did not vote on budget adjustments tied to nurse staffing at the meeting; members asked staff to return with proposals and broader data for future budget and advocacy work.