Legislature to Take Another Look at School Nursing Shortage

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Addressing Utah's school nurse shortage could be costly, but State Senator Ed Mayne warns the cost of not acting could be even higher - and not just in terms of student health.

"If we don't take action, we're going to have our policy dictated by lawsuits," says Mayne. "And when the courts and the judges make their decision, then our hands are locked."

Mayne made the plea for more school nurses to a committee of state legislators today (yesterday). Utah has only one nurse for every six-thousand students. The National Association of School Nurses recommends one nurse for every 750 students. Improving that figure will require significant funding from the state, but some lawmakers worry school districts will use the money to meet other needs. Mayne says that's no excuse:

"I don't know whether it should be in the health department, whether we should do line items for school districts so they can't be tempted," says Mayne. "I don't know what the answer is, but our children deserve better."

Mayne called for similar funding last year, but was unsuccessful. The Legislature's subcommittee for education funding did not promise money, but committed to look closely at the issue, including ways to use school nurses and other staff more effectively in meeting student health needs.

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