NURSE Act

This proposal would fund competitive grants to help public school districts hire more school nurses in elementary and secondary schools. It gives priority to high‑need areas and places that don’t have a nurse at all. The federal government would pay up to 75% of costs each year, with that share stepping down over time so schools can keep nurses using state or local funds; local matches can be cash or in‑kind, and hardship waivers are allowed. The goal is to boost student health and learning by ensuring more kids have access to a registered nurse at school, especially as many schools still lack one and many students manage chronic conditions or mental health needs.

Why it matters day to day: School nurses help with chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes, give medicines, support mental health, and reduce sick days. Having a nurse in school can raise immunization rates and help students stay in class and learn. The plan would also require a report on whether adding nurses improved student health and learning, such as attendance and classroom time.

Key points

• Who is affected: Public elementary and secondary schools, especially high‑need districts; state education agencies and consortia can also apply and pass funds to local districts. States may reserve up to 10% for statewide support like training and technical help.
• What changes: Grants help hire more school nurses; applications must list current nurse numbers, student health needs (acuity), and nurse workloads; a federal evaluation report follows to measure results .
• When: Funding is authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2030; the evaluation report is due within two years after the first grant is made.