AR HB1826

Each public school district must provide a health services program under the direction of a licensed registered nurse in accordance with state law and Division of Elementary and Secondary Education rules.

Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, at least one licensed registered nurse employed or contracted by each public school district shall annually participate in nursing professional development related to Arkansas school nursing mandates and practices.

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, in conjunction with the Department of Health, shall develop and implement an education program for school nurses designed to improve the quality and delivery of health services for students.

Public school districts must maintain school nurse-to-student ratios of one nurse per 750 students, one per 400 students in districts with high concentrations of disabled children, and one per 125 students at centers for profoundly disabled students.

School districts must annually participate in a health services survey covering on-campus healthcare needs, services, and availability, and report detailed information by August 31 including nurse staffing levels, licensure, degrees, pay, and student nursing acuity levels.