H.R.305 - One School, One Nurse Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.305, the "One School, One Nurse Act of 2025," aims to establish a grant program through the Department of Education. This program would assist local educational agencies in ensuring that every elementary and secondary school has at least one registered nurse on staff. The bill prioritizes high-need local educational agencies and those that focus on hiring from underrepresented populations in public health professions.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would increase the availability of school nurses in elementary and secondary schools across the United States. This would likely lead to improved student health outcomes and reduced burdens on other school staff. The grant program would also incentivize the hiring of nurses from underrepresented populations.
Potential Benefits
- Improved student health outcomes due to increased access to healthcare.
- Reduced student absences and increased time spent in class.
- Better management of chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes.
- Support for a positive and healthy school climate.
- Potential job creation for registered nurses, especially in underserved areas.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased federal spending and potential strain on the Department of Education's budget.
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in the grant application and distribution process.
- Possible challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified school nurses in all areas.
- Risk that grant funding may not be sufficient to cover the long-term costs of employing school nurses after the grant period ends.
- Potential for unfunded mandates on states and local educational agencies if the grant program is not adequately funded.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is primarily based on the General Welfare Clause (Preamble). This clause allows Congress to enact laws that "promote the general Welfare" of the United States. Providing healthcare services in schools can be argued to fall under this power. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, so the federal role is limited to providing grants and guidance, not mandating specific actions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).