Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish a School Health Advisory Committee in Minnesota. This committee is tasked with advising the governor and legislature on school health-related policies and practices.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of the Committee: A new School Health Advisory Committee will be formed to focus on safeguarding and promoting the health of students in schools.

• Duties: The committee will:

  • Review and recommend policies and programs that protect and promote children's health in schools.
  • Identify crucial health data to be collected about Minnesota students.
  • Address barriers to learning related to health issues.
  • Develop a coordinated model of health services for students with chronic and acute conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes).
  • Facilitate communication between healthcare systems and schools.
  • Recommend funding sources for school health services, such as public funding and insurance reimbursement.

• Membership: The committee will consist of diverse members appointed by the governor, including healthcare professionals (nurses, physicians), educators, parents, school administrators, and legislators. Members will serve two-year terms.

• Meetings and Reporting: The committee is required to meet monthly during its first year and at least quarterly thereafter. Annually, the committee must report its recommendations and findings to the governor's office and relevant legislative committees by January 15.

• Support and Coordination: The Departments of Education and Health will support the committee administratively, along with assistance from the Board of Nursing.

Significant Changes

This bill introduces a new structured approach to addressing school health issues in Minnesota by forming an advisory committee dedicated to this purpose, which does not currently exist.

Relevant Terms

school health, School Health Advisory Committee, student health data, chronic health conditions, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, school nursing services, public health, school services, governor's office, legislative committees, healthcare systems, educational barriers.