Policy JLC
Student Health Services and School Nurses
School Board Approved: December 5, 2022
The Board may appoint one or more school nurses to carry out appropriate school health-related activities.
School Nurse Qualifications and Responsibilities
A school nurse shall be a registered professional nurse licensed in New Hampshire and certified by the New Hampshire Department of Education. The Board may employ or contract with a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) to work under the direct supervision of the school Registered Nurse (RN). As provided by New Hampshire law, the school nurse is responsible for any delegation of health care tasks.
Responsibilities of the 21st century school nurse include, but are not limited to: providing direct health care to students; providing leadership, care coordination and qualitative improvement of school health services; promoting a healthy school environment and control/surveillance of infectious diseases; promoting health; serving in a leadership role for health policies and programs; and serving as a liaison between school personnel, family, community, and health care providers. Additionally, the school nurse is responsible for the oversight of other school services, including but not limited to: assessing and responding to individual student health needs through Individual Healthcare Plans, maintaining accurate health records, participating on 504 and IEP teams (as needed or required), health promotion, disease and injury prevention initiatives, student wellness, and other responsibilities and services as dictated by law or Board policy. Finally, the school nurse will assist the administration in developing/updating forms necessary and appropriate for health-related issues (e.g., emergency, individual student health needs, administration of medication, etc.).
Injuries, Illnesses and Medications
Emergency medical care will be provided pursuant to Board Policy JLCE.
Any pupil who is required to take prescribed medication during the school day will do so consistent with the provisions of Department of Education Rule 311.02 and Board Policy JLCD.
Injuries and illnesses occurring during the school day are to be reported to the school nurse or the building principal. Accidents shall be reported in accordance with Board Policy. Students attending school during the extended day, night, or summer school programs, or any other time when the school nurse is not in the building, are to report all illnesses and injuries to the supervising adult. Students will not be allowed to leave school due to injury or illness without first notifying either the school nurse or principal as well as the student’s parent/guardian or other person identified on the student’s emergency contact form on file with the school.
Legal References:
RSA 200:27, School Health Services
RSA 200:29, School Nurse
RSA 200:31, School Health Personnel
RSA 326-B, Nurse Practice Act
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.12(b), School Health Services
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 311, School Health Services