H.R. 3262: Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere Act

This bill, known as the Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere Act (or NURSE Act), aims to increase the number of school nurses in public elementary and secondary schools across the United States. Here are the key components of the bill:

Purpose

The bill intends to provide federal funding to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) or groups of LEAs to hire more school nurses. The overall goal is to ensure that each school has access to a full-time nurse who can address students' health needs and contribute to their academic success.

Definitions

Several terms are defined in the bill:

• Eligible Entity: A local educational agency where at least 20% of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunches, or a consortium of such agencies.
• High-Need Local Educational Agency: Agencies serving at least 15,000 eligible students or where over 40% of students qualify for lunch assistance.
• Nurse: A registered nurse as defined by state law.
• Acuity: The level of health care need a student has due to chronic conditions that may require nursing care.

Grant Program

The bill authorizes a demonstration grant program where the Secretary of Education will award grants to eligible entities for hiring additional school nurses. The program encourages collaborative hiring, such as employing nurses that serve multiple schools or districts.

Application Process

Eligible entities must submit applications to receive grants, including details about their current number of school nurses and the health needs of their students. Priority will be given to high-need agencies that demonstrate a significant lack of nursing services.

Funding Allocation

The federal funding provided through the grants can cover up to 75% of the costs associated with hiring school nurses. The bill specifies that this percentage may decrease over time to encourage local funding sources to supplement the positions after the federal support ends.

Economic Hardship Provisions

The Secretary may also waive or reduce the non-federal funding requirement for agencies that can demonstrate economic hardship, making it easier for struggling schools to participate in the program.

Reporting Requirements

Within two years after grant awards, the Secretary is required to report to Congress on the program's effectiveness. This report should include the number of nurses hired and the impact of these hires on student health and learning outcomes, such as academic performance and attendance.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes unspecified sums to be appropriated for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support this initiative.

Relevant Companies

• None found