An Act to amend 118.15 (3) (a) of the statutes; Relating to: health care providers providing excused absences under the compulsory school attendance law.
Impact
The implications of SB920 are significant for local educational institutions as it alters which health care professionals parents can consult for excusing their children's absences. The removal of registered nurses from the list may limit options for parents seeking quick and accessible forms of validation for their child's health status. Supporters of the bill may argue that it is meant to ensure that only certain qualified health professionals can issue such statements, thereby standardizing the process and potentially improving health compliance tracking within schools.
Summary
Senate Bill 920 aims to amend the compulsory school attendance law in Wisconsin by revising the list of health care providers authorized to provide written statements for excused absences due to health conditions. Specifically, the bill seeks to remove registered nurses from the list of eligible providers while retaining advanced practice registered nurses, physicians, physician assistants, and several other types of health care practitioners. This change is intended to streamline the process for schools when assessing the validity of a child's health-related absences from school.
Contention
There is a potential contention surrounding the bill, particularly from advocates for registered nurses who believe excluding them undermines the broad scope of care they provide within the community. Critics may contend that this amendment could create barriers for families in securing necessary documentation, thus leading to unnecessary challenges for children who are legitimately unable to attend school due to health issues. Furthermore, the bill might initiate discussions on the overall role of various health care providers in school policies, particularly in how absences are managed and recorded.
Effective_date
SB920 is set to take effect on September 1, 2026, giving stakeholders time to adapt to the new regulations regarding health-related absenteeism in schools.
Crossfiled
An Act to amend 118.15 (3) (a) of the statutes; Relating to: health care providers providing excused absences under the compulsory school attendance law.