Innovative Health Staffing Bill Advances for Virgin Islands Schools

In a crucial step to bolster healthcare in public schools, the Virgin Islands Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services has unanimously approved a significant bill. Bill No. 35-0194, championed by Senator Kenneth Gittens, seeks to appoint school health technicians in every public school, an initiative crucial for the welfare of students. These technicians will effectively fill the roles typically held by school nurses.

Highlighting a critical gap in the current system, Senator Gittens emphasized the challenge in hiring and retaining registered nurses for schools, citing competitive salaries elsewhere as a key factor. This situation has resulted in a significant shortfall in medical care in schools, with students left without basic medical services like medication administration and first aid.

The issue is pressing, as evidenced by nine current vacancies for school nurses across the territory’s two school districts. This challenge was further underscored by recent resignations of school nurses for better-paying opportunities.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion lauded the bill as timely. Commissioner Encarnacion stressed the importance of having certified school health technicians, especially in the absence of registered nurses. The Department of Health, instrumental in drafting Bill No. 35-0194, believes the benefits of this approach are manifold.

Echoing this support, Deputy Commissioner of Education Victor Somme III linked healthcare directly to student success. He pointed out the Department of Education’s struggle to match the salaries offered by hospitals and private medical entities, making it challenging to attract and retain skilled school nurses.

The proposed bill outlines that the Education Commissioner will appoint a qualified school nurse supervisor in each district to oversee the health technicians. These supervisors would be highly qualified professionals – registered nurses, physician’s assistants, or physicians. The health technicians, potentially LPNs, CNAs, or EMTs, will be subject to clearly defined job descriptions and standard operating procedures, including telehealth provisions, all requiring approval from the Health Commissioner.

While the bill received widespread support, legislators raised questions regarding the attraction of qualified candidates, liability issues, and the efficacy of telehealth services. Currently, school nurses earn a starting salary akin to teachers, around $49,000, as per the American Federation of Teachers’ collective bargaining agreement. Deputy Commissioner Somme assured that salary negotiations are underway, with adjustments contingent on government affordability.

With strong committee endorsement, the bill is now poised for deliberation and potential passage by the full legislative body, marking a significant step towards enhancing healthcare in Virgin Islands schools.