SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2573

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 25, 2020

      The Senate Education Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 2573 with committee amendments.

      As amended, this bill establishes the position of State School Nurse Consultant in the Department of Education.  Under the bill, the State School Nurse Consultant would work with school districts and school nurses to facilitate best practices in school nursing by advancing comprehensive school health services to address the health and wellness of all students throughout the State. 

      The bill requires the Commissioner of Education to appoint the State School Nurse Consultant.  The person appointed to the position is required to be a New Jersey certified school nurse who holds a master's degree and has demonstrated higher-level leadership with recent school nursing experience.  Once appointed, the State School Nurse Consultant would be required to collaborate with the Department of Health (DOH), other State agencies, and associated stakeholders in executing the duties of the position.

      The committee amendments revise the eligibility requirements for the position of State School Nurse Consultant.  As amended, the bill requires the person to be a New Jersey certified school nurse who holds a master's degree and has demonstrated higher-level leadership with recent school nursing experience.  As introduced, the person was required to be a certified school nurse who holds a master’s degree in nursing and has management experience and leadership and education administration training or skills.

      The committee amendments also require the State School Nurse Consultant to collaborate with the DOH, other State agencies, and associated stakeholders in executing the duties of the position.  As introduced, the consultant was only required to collaborate with the DOH and the New Jersey State Board of Nursing.

      Additionally, the committee amendments include technical changes to clarify the mission and duties of the State School Nurse Consultant.