September 2011
NYSASN Legislative Chair
As a member of the NYSASN Board of Directors, the Legislative Chair is a position that is relied upon to closely monitor activity of NYS legislation which may be related to school health services and the health of school aged children. The Chair oversees a committee of NYSASN board members who connect with senators and assemblymen and often meet with these key lawmakers in Albany.
The Legislative Chair and committee attempt to strengthen NYSASN's visibility in school health issues.
The Chair reports to the Board of Directors on the current proposals and amendments many of which may warrant a response from NYSASN. This is an ongoing process that changes as new legislative proposals are introduced. It is our goal to keep our members informed of current proposed legislation. This committee supports the process of promoting legislation to ensure all students are healthy enough to learn.
2011 Legislative Session:
This year the legislature has several pertinent laws of interest to School Nurses which will impact the role and duties of the school nurse.
We have sent notification via e-mail that the legislature has passed a bill that will mandate School Nurses post information in our schools about seasonal flu guidelines & vaccines. "An amendment to public health law (PHL) section § 613 directs the New York State Department of Health's (NYSDOH) Commissioner of Health to provide families of children between 6 months and 18 years of age who attend certain child care settings, public schools and non public schools with educational materials on influenza and the benefits of influenza immunizations..." Each time we are mandated to provide a public health safety issue it reinforces the need for our role as registered professional nurses in the school setting.
A NYSASN representative continues on the task force for the implementation of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). To be implemented July 2012, the act will require school districts to upgrade the code of conduct to include language related to harassment. Additionally, harassment education will be added to curriculum related to civility, citizenship, and character education. A minimum of 1 employee per district will deliver professional development, including response to situations and incidents regarding harassment. Look for more information on this act during the school year.
The "Concussion Management and Awareness Act" S03953 - A8194, has passed both houses of the legislature and is awaiting the Governor's signature. If signed, the law will take effect July 2012. We will promote the inclusion of a School Nurse on the implementation team for this law also. The law has specific requirements for educating parents and school staff about mild traumatic brain injuries.
The following bills have been reintroduced: A01753-S04557, A00466, A00021, and A01527. They all relate to a School Nurse in every building. However, there has been no movement on these bills as the legislative bodies have not asked for any new mandates in this economic climate.
The RN to BSN legislation has a co-sponsor in the senate which is A01977-S01223. This bill has moved to Higher Education for review. This means it is a little closer to being brought to the floor for a vote.
There is also a companion bill for proposed loan forgiveness for nurses; this is bill A01416-S01463. No new legislative proposals for mandating school nurses have been proposed this session.
I encourage you to read the bills in their entirety to understand the specifics. You can go to NYS Assembly or Senate websites http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg and type the bill number into the Bill Search. Once you get to the bill, click on 'Text' to read the details of the bill.
Respectfully Submitted,
O. Jeanne Dolly RN SNT NCSN
Legislative Chairperson NYSASN
