WHEREAS, P.A. 90-548 has been enacted by the State of Illinois in December 1997; and

WHEREAS, P.A. 90-548 allows that "school districts may employ non-certificated registered professional nurses to perform professional nursing services in schools; and

WHEREAS, basic nursing education intended to prepare a nursing generalist does not necessarily include curriculum addressing school public health mandates, special education evaluation or nursing practice in schools as a non-traditional setting; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois Association of School Nurses believes that the non-certificated nurse employed by a school should have a formal orientation specific to the responsibilities required by the school setting; and

WHEREAS, the certificated school nurse specialist, by virtue of Type 73 certification through a state approved program and experience in school nursing is knowledgeable about nursing practice in the school setting; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois Association of School Nurses believes that every school-aged child in Illinois has a right to safe and comprehensive health care provided by appropriately prepared professionals;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Illinois Association of School Nurses will pursue involvement with the Illinois State Board of Education in defining the rules and regulations for the implementation of P.A. 90-548; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Illinois Association of School Nurses will pursue defining the appropriate roles and responsibilities of the certificated school nurse specialist and the non-certificated nurse who practices in the school setting; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Illinois Association of School Nurses will encourage the non-certificated nurse who practices nursing in the school to seek continuing professional education specific to the school setting; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Illinois Association of School Nurses will actively participate in the development and implementation of orientation programs for the non-certificated nurse who practices in the school setting,; and

BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that the Illinois Association of School Nurses will support collaboration between the certificated school nurse specialist and the non-certificated nurse, to enhance the safe delivery of comprehensive school health services to school children.