W. Va. Code R. § 126-139-4

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-139-4 - Certification

4.1 Beginning with the 1992-93 school year, personnel who are initially employed or contracted as school nurses must hold a valid professional service certificate endorsed to serve as a school nurse.

4.2 Beginning with the 1988-89 school year, all persons employed or contracted as school nurses must hold a valid professional service certificate, permit or permanent authorization endorsed to serve in that position and hold a valid license issued by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses.

4.3Professional Service Certificate

a. A person who completes a West Virginia Board of Education approved educational preparation program for school nurses, holds a valid license issued by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses, and is recommended for certification under the regulations established by the West Virginia Board of Education will be granted the Professional Service Certificate issued provisionally and valid for three years.

b. The regulations for renewal, conversion, and permanent certification shall be those contained in accord with state law and West Virginia Board of Education policy.

c. Employment as a school nurse is not a condition for enrollment in the program or issuance of the certificate.

4.4Permits for Persons Initially Employed or Contracted as School Nurses Prior to 1992

A person who is not eligible for a Professional Service Certificate or a Permanent Authorization shall be issued a renewable one-year permit based upon:

1) a valid license issued by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses,

2) submission of a Professional Commitment for Permit Teachers verifying enrollment in a West Virginia Board of Education approved program for school nurses, and

3) the recommendation of the county superintendent.

4.5Permanent Authorization for School Nurses

a.Option #1

A registered professional nurse with five full years of school nurse experience prior to July 1, 1988 may be granted a permanent authorization provided she/he:

1. Is legally serving as a registered professional school nurse in West Virginia during the 1985-86, 1986-87, or 1987-88 school year.

2. Has successfully completed at least one West Virginia Department of Education sponsored summer workshop for school nurses or its equivalent.

3. Is recommended for the permanent authorization by the employing or contracting superintendent.

b.Option #2

A registered professional nurse with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing or a Board of Regents' degree and one full year of school nursing experience may be granted permanent authorization if he/she:

1. Is legally serving as a registered professional school nurse in West Virginia during the 1985-86, 1986-87, or 1987-88 school year.

2. Has successfully completed at least one West Virginia Department of Education sponsored summer workshop for school nurses or its equivalent.

3. Is recommended for the permanent authorization by the employing or contracting superintendent.

c.Option #3

A registered professional nurse who holds a bachelor's degree or above with a major in nursing and is employed or contracted as a school nurse by July 1, 1988 may be granted permanent authorization.

d.Option #4

A registered professional nurse who has provided seven years of school nurse services under a local board of health contract with a county board of education may be granted permanent authorization provided he/she:

1. Is legally serving as a registered professional nurse in West Virginia and providing school nurse services during the 1985-86, 1986-87, or 1987-88 school year.

2. Has successfully completed at least one West Virginia Department of Education sponsored summer workshop for school nurses or its equivalent.

3. Is recommended for the permanent authorization by the county superintendent.

4.6Provision of Services

School nurse services may only be provided by county board of education employees certified as school nurses or through contract with a local board of health as provided for in West Virginia Code 516-2-5.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-139-4