Virginia is considering a new law that would require every school to have a licensed nurse by 2028. This proposal, introduced recently, aims to ensure that students have access to medical experts who can handle various health conditions and improve overall health services in schools.
Currently, while schools in Virginia can hire nurses, it is not mandated by state law. As a result, about 8% of schools in the state do not have any nursing staff.
During a meeting of the School Health Services Committee, many speakers expressed their support for the new proposal. If passed, school districts experiencing a shortage of nurses could receive a two-year waiver if they could prove they made a genuine effort to hire nurses.
Paula Nichols, a school health administrator from Washington County, spoke about how important school nurses are during emergencies. She shared how, during Hurricane Helene, school nurses not only cared for students but also assisted the entire community by providing medical help and delivering water to those in need.
The proposed legislation would require at least one licensed school nurse in every school or for every 325 students. However, this requirement wouldn’t take effect until July 1, 2028.
School districts face tough competition when it comes to hiring nurses as they are vying for the same professionals as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. A lobbyist for the Virginia School Board Association, Stacy Haynie, raised concerns about whether this law could be realistically enforced due to the ongoing nurse shortage in the state. She pointed out that many districts want to hire nurses but are struggling to find qualified candidates.
Senator Barbara Favola, who leads the Senate Education and Health Committee, acknowledged the shortage and assured that lawmakers are working to tackle the issue. She supports the proposal, calling it a necessary step to allow teachers and administrators to focus on their duties while the nurse handles health-related concerns that students face increasingly.
Committee member Betsy Looney emphasized the importance of school nurses, stating they play a crucial role in maintaining safety within schools. She said having a nurse is not merely an added benefit but essential to meeting the health responsibilities schools already have.
The committee will vote on whether to forward this proposal to the General Assembly during its next meeting on November 18, ahead of the legislative session set to begin in January.
