Section 6-18-706 - School nurse - Definition(a) Each public school district shall provide a health services program under the direction of a licensed registered nurse in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and Division of Elementary and Secondary Education rules.(b) In order to improve the health status and educational achievement of the children of this state, the General Assembly hereby determines that an appropriate school nurse-to-student ratio is essential to effectively meet the healthcare needs of these children.(c)(1) For purposes of this section, "school nurse" means a licensed nurse engaging in school nursing activities.(2) A school nurse shall practice within the scope of practice applicable to the certification of the school nurse.(d)(1) Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, at least one (1) licensed registered nurse employed or contracted by each public school district shall annually participate in nursing professional development related to Arkansas school nursing mandates and practices, as determined appropriate by the division.(2) The division, in conjunction with the Department of Health, shall develop and implement an education program for school nurses that is designed to improve the quality and delivery of health services for students.(e)(1) Beginning with the 2004-2005 school year, all school districts shall have no fewer than the full-time equivalent of one (1) school nurse per seven hundred fifty (750) students or the proportionate ratio thereof, or, if feasible, one (1) school nurse on each public school campus.(2) In districts having a high concentration of children with disabling conditions as determined by the State Board of Education, the ratio of school nurses to students should be one (1) to four hundred (400) in those schools so designated.(3) In a district that provides a center for profoundly disabled students, the ratio should be one (1) school nurse per one hundred twenty-five (125) students at that center.(f)(1) School nurses may be employed or provided by contract or agreement with other agencies or individuals provided that the prescribed ratio and equivalency are maintained.(2) However, no school nurse may be employed by, or contract with, any public secondary or elementary school of this state except with the prior approval of the local school district board of directors.(g)(1) The provisions of this section shall be effective only upon the availability of state funds.(2) Available funds shall be distributed to school districts based on the previous year's three-quarter average daily membership.Amended by Act 2021, No. 1089,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 67, § 3.