Each school board shall appoint, annually, a school physician to advise the school board on school health issues, policies, and practices. The school physician may examine and diagnose but not treat students or employees unless it is necessary to protect the health of the students in the school administrative unit. Each school board shall appoint a certified school nurse to supervise and coordinate health services for the unit. The school board may contract for the services of qualified school medical personnel.

12. Health Staff. “Health staff” means full-time equivalent public school nurses, as documented in the department’s database.

A. For the elementary school level and the middle school level:

• (5) The student-to-health staff ratio is 800:1

B. For the high school level:

• (5)The student-to-health staff ratio is 800:1

Each school board shall appoint at least one school nurse for the school administrative unit.

1. Duties.The school nurse shall supervise and coordinate the health services and health-related activities required by this Title.
2. Other functions.The school nurse shall also perform such other health-related activities as are assigned by the school board.
3. Appointment.To fulfill the role of school nurse, the school board shall appoint a registered professional nurse who meets any additional certification requirements established by the state board.
4. Special contract for services.The school board may provide school nurse services through special agreements with a public health agency or with an individual registered professional nurse. All nurses who serve as school nurses under those agreements must be registered professional nurses who meet applicable certification requirements.
5. Guidelines.The commissioner shall issue guidelines on the provision of school health services and health-related activities.