New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Sept. 14 signed a variety of bills into law, among them one that establishes the position of State School Nurse Consultant in the Department of Education.
“I am grateful the governor saw the value in this legislation,” said state Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz, a co-sponsor of the bill and the chair of the Senate Education Committee. “When the Education Recovery Taskforce met to discuss health and safety, the school nurses were clear about the need for a statewide school nurse consultant to streamline protocols and ensure uniformity around the state.
“As schools reopen, our school nurses are more important than ever before in ensuring the health and well-being of our students. Strong lines of communication between the Department of Education, the Department of Health and our nurses on the ground is crucial. Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the consultant will help to strengthen our health programs and ensure all districts are meeting high-quality standards.”