Virginia considers calls for mandatory school nurses as healthcare gaps persist

By: Nathaniel Cline

Outlets: Virginia Mercury

Published: August 24, 2026

Words: 935

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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As schools reopen across Virginia, just under 10% will operate without a nurse, leaving critical gaps in student healthcare, advocates say. School nurses are responsible for managing complex student medical conditions and helping to reduce absenteeism.

Most school divisions in the commonwealth employ nurses, but current laws permit, rather than require, their presence.

Legislators and experts are exploring updating the state’s Standards of Quality, the school funding baseline requirements for the state and local …

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