H.R. 3262 — NURSE Act

This section states congressional findings on the importance of school nurses, including that they lead school health services; manage chronic conditions affecting over 25% of students (e.g., asthma, diabetes, epilepsy); spend nearly 32% of their time on mental health services; improve immunization rates and academic outcomes; and are absent from one-third of schools despite 87% public favorability.

This section establishes a demonstration grant program administered by the Secretary of Education to increase the number of school nurses (i.e., registered nurses) in public elementary and secondary schools served by eligible entities, defined as local educational agencies (LEAs) in which at least 20% of children are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches under the National School Lunch Program, consortia of such LEAs, or state educational agencies (SEAs) in consortium with such LEAs. Grants may be used to hire school nurses, including those serving multiple districts; SEAs must subgrant to member LEAs and may reserve up to 10% of funds for statewide activities such as nurse training and technical assistance. The Secretary must prioritize high-need LEAs (i.e., those serving at least 15,000 lunch-eligible children or in which at least 40% of children are lunch-eligible) or consortia demonstrating the greatest need for nursing services (based on student health acuity levels and nurse workloads) or lacking any school nurses. The federal share is capped at 75% in the first year and decreases in multiyear grants to promote ongoing state or local funding; non-federal matching may be cash or in-kind, with waivers available for economic hardship. Not later than two years after the first grant award, the Secretary must report to Congress on the program's effectiveness in increasing school nurses and its impact on student health and learning outcomes (e.g., academic achievement, attendance). The section authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary for FY2026 through FY2030.