ASSEMBLY EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 2573

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JULY 22, 2020

      The Assembly Education Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 2573 (1R).

      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.

      As reported by the committee, this bill is identical to Assembly Bill No. 4378, which was amended and also reported by the committee on this same date.