Purpose of the Bill

The bill proposes the creation of a School Health Advisory Committee aimed at advising the governor and state legislature on school health policies. Its goal is to enhance health services in schools across Minnesota to ensure that students' health needs are met, which in turn supports their academic success.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of the Committee: The committee is formed to review and recommend effective school health policies and programs.

• Duties:

  • Evaluate and suggest health standards and services that tackle health-related barriers to learning.
  • Promote evidence-based nursing and health services in schools.
  • Identify essential student health data for annual reporting, with a focus on students with special needs or health conditions.
  • Develop models for school health services that accommodate children with chronic and acute health issues such as asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy, ensuring these conditions are managed without hindering academic achievement.
  • Foster coordinated care between healthcare systems and schools, which includes timely communication on students' health status.
  • Propose funding sources for school health services, including public funds and other health-related financial initiatives.

• Membership:

  • Appointed by the governor, members will serve two-year terms starting September 1, 2025.
  • The committee will comprise various healthcare and educational professionals, including registered nurses, school administrators, physicians, mental health practitioners, and representatives from departments of education and health.

• Meetings and Reporting: The committee will meet monthly for the first year and at least quarterly thereafter. An annual report to the governor’s office and relevant legislative committees will be required by January 15 each year, detailing policy recommendations and school health practices.

• Administration: The committee will be supported administratively by the Departments of Education and Health, along with the Board of Nursing.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a structured, ongoing consultative process involving diverse professional inputs specifically aimed at enhancing the health systems within schools. This structured approach and the specifics of health service coordination and funding are not currently encapsulated in existing Minnesota legislation.

Relevant Terms

• School Health Advisory Committee
• Evidence-based school nursing services
• Chronic and acute health conditions (asthma, diabetes, epilepsy)
• Coordinated care
• Health data reporting
• Medical assistance reimbursement
• Public and private funding streams