Senate directs appropriations committee to study school nurses, passes second substitute to SB 48

The Utah Senate on Jan. 26, 2006 passed the second substitute to Senate Bill 48, changing the measure from a task force to a directed legislative study by the public education joint appropriations committee.

Sen. Maine explained the substitute directs the appropriations subcommittee to study student-to-nurse ratios, best practices for school nursing services, funding for school nurses, No Child Left Behind clinic requirements, and coordination between public-health and school nurses. The substitute also appropriates funds so the education appropriations committee can add four interim days to hold stakeholder meetings and compile a report to the full Legislature.

Senators described statewide shortages: Sen. Maine said Utah has roughly one school nurse per 6,200 students in some counts and that many schools effectively share a nurse across a dozen or more schools. Supporters — including school nurses, the American Federation of Teachers and the PTA — told the committee the shortage had shifted duties to teachers and staff, sometimes requiring nonclinical staff to administer medication.

The Senate debated whether to direct a task force or use the appropriations committee; sponsors said the appropriations subcommittee already has relevant materials and would be best positioned to complete the study and report back. After floor debate and expressions of support from Sen. Hale and Sen. Stevenson, the Senate called the question. A roll-call vote recorded 24 yes, 0 nay, with 5 absent; the bill will be forwarded to the House.

Supporters said the study aims to assemble stakeholders (nurses, parents, school boards) and recommend steps to improve nurse coverage and student health services.