(a) In order to improve the health status and educational achievement of the children of this state, the General Assembly hereby determines that an appropriate school nurse-to-student ratio is essential to effectively meet the healthcare needs of these children.
(b) For purposes of this section, “school nurse” means a licensed nurse engaging in school nursing activities.
(c)
(1) Beginning with the 2004-2005 school year, all school districts shall have no fewer than the full-time equivalent of one (1) school nurse per seven hundred fifty (750) students or the proportionate ratio thereof.
(2) In districts having a high concentration of children with disabling conditions as determined by the State Board of Education, the ratio of school nurses to students should be one (1) to four hundred (400) in those schools so designated.
(3) In a district that provides a center for profoundly disabled students, the ratio should be one (1) school nurse per one hundred twenty-five (125) students at that center.
(d)
(1) School nurses may be employed or provided by contract or agreement with other agencies or individuals provided that the prescribed ratio and equivalency are maintained.
(2) However, no school nurse may be employed by, or contract with, any public secondary or elementary school of this state except with the prior approval of the local school district board of directors.
(e)
(1) The provisions of this section shall be effective only upon the availability of state funds.
(2) Available funds shall be distributed to school districts based on the previous year's three-quarter average daily membership.