Committee hears DOE proposal to update infectious‑disease duties and school‑nursing guidance

The Department of Education presented LD 2046 to update statutory language on duties related to communicable and infectious diseases in schools and to clarify school nursing guidance and responsibilities. Department staff said the bill modernizes headings, clarifies notification and identification duties for school personnel and superintendents, and aligns school nursing practice with applicable rules from the State Board of Nursing.

A technical edit replaces the term "subinjector" with the broader term "automated device" for epinephrine administration to reflect newer delivery technologies such as nasal formulations and more broadly defined automated devices. The bill also clarifies that, where a superintendent cannot respond, a superintendent's designee may carry out certain duties.

DOE staff asked the committee to permit the department's school nurse consultants and liaisons to provide guidance to the field and to update such guidance at least every three years to reflect national and state standards. Committee members asked for clarifications at the work session about what examples of infectious or communicable diseases would trigger notification, who validates exposures (practitioner vs. initial reporter), and whether any language could conflict with federal privacy laws; DOE agreed to return with details.

The department indicated it did not expect a fiscal note for this department bill and said the changes largely align statute and practice. Members asked for follow‑up language and examples for the work session so districts have clear operational guidance.