(a) Each LEA shall make available a registered nurse for assessment, care planning, and on-going evaluation of students with special health care service needs in the school setting. Special health care services include procedures that are invasive, carry reasonable risk of harm if not performed correctly, may not have a predictable outcome, or may require additional action based on results of testing or monitoring.

(c) To assure that these services are provided, LEAs shall have the flexibility to hire registered nurses, to contract with individual registered nurses, to contract for nursing services through local health departments, home care organizations, hospitals and other providers, or to negotiate coverage for planning and implementing these services with the licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant prescribing the health care procedure.

Report addresses availability of school nurses in North Carolina schools.