1. I. A superintendent may nominate and school board appoint a school nurse to function in the school health program, and provide said nurse with proper facilities and equipment. A school nurse shall be a registered professional nurse currently licensed in New Hampshire and certified by the state board of education.

2. II.

   1. (a) An individual shall have the following entry level requirements to be certified as a school nurse:

      1. (1) Have completed a board of nursing approved registered nursing program at the associate's degree level or higher under RSA 326-B; and
      2. (2) Have 3 years current experience in pediatric nursing or other related nursing areas.

   2. (b) An applicant for certification as a school nurse shall have the skills, competencies, and knowledge in the following areas:

      1. (1) In the area of delivery of the school nursing services, the skills and abilities to:

         (A) Assess student's health or situation through analysis of data collected and synthesize comprehensive data.

         (B) Identify outcomes and develop plans for individual students or situations including strategies and alternatives.

         (C) Implement interventions identified in the plan of care/action, coordinating care with school employees and evaluate outcome.

         (D) Consult with administration to provide health education and employ strategies to promote health, wellness, and a safe environment.

         (E) Systematically evaluate the progress for the quality of practice and effectiveness toward attainment of outcomes for promoting health and a safe environment.

      2. (2) In the area of school nursing, the applicant shall demonstrate the knowledge and ability to:

         (A) Provide quality nursing practice in a school setting.

         (B) Evaluate his or her nursing practices and continue professional development as required by a school district's professional development master plan.

         (C) Collaborate with students, families, school staff, and others in the conduct of school nursing practices.

         (D) Integrate ethical provisions and research findings into practice as a school nurse.

      3. (3) In the area of accountability, knowledge, skills, and application in:

         (A) Planning and delivering school nursing services factoring in safety, effectiveness, cost, and impact on nursing practice.

         (B) Providing leadership in the profession and professional nursing practice setting.

         (C) Managing school health services.

         (D) Complying with professional nursing practice standards, guidelines, relevant statutes, rules, and regulations.

3. III. The state board of education shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to:

   1. (a) The application process for certification under paragraph II.
   2. (b) Form and content of any forms required under paragraph II.
   3. (c) Application fees for certification under paragraph II.
   4. (d) Further rulemaking necessary for the proper administration of certification under paragraph II.
4. IV. All school nurses hired after August 25, 2019 holding an associate's degree in nursing shall be enrolled in a registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing program, and shall complete such program within 6 years of the date of hire.

Source. 1971, 499:1, eff. Sept. 4, 1971. 2016, 285:2, eff. Aug. 20, 2016. 2019, 144:1, 2, eff. Aug. 25, 2019. 2023, 172:1, 2, eff. July 28, 2023.