CHAPTER 288
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 22.1-274 and 22.1-274.01:1 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-274.01:2 , relating to school boards; student diabetes care and management in schools; divisionwide plan required.
[S 122]
Approved April 6, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§ 22.1-274 and 22.1-274.01:1 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-274.01:2 as follows:
§ 22.1-274 . School health services.
A. A school board shall provide pupil personnel and support services in compliance with § 22.1-253.13:2 . A school board may employ school nurses, physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. No such personnel shall be employed unless they meet such standards as may be determined by the Board. Subject to the approval of the appropriate local governing body, a local health department may provide personnel for health services for the school division.
B. In implementing subsection P of § 22.1-253.13:2 , relating to providing support services that are necessary for the efficient and cost-effective operation and maintenance of its public schools, each school board may strive to employ, or contract with local health departments for, nursing services consistent with a ratio of at least one nurse per 1,000 students. In those school divisions in which there are more than 1,000 students in average daily membership in school buildings, this section shall not be construed to encourage the employment of more than one nurse per school building. Further, this section shall not be construed to mandate the aspired-to ratios.
C. The Board shall monitor the progress in achieving the ratio set forth in subsection B and any subsequent increase in prevailing statewide costs, and the mechanism for funding health services, pursuant to subsection P of § 22.1-253.13:2 and the appropriation act. The Board shall also determine how school health funds are used and school health services are delivered in each locality.
D. With the exception of school administrative personnel and persons employed by school boards who have the specific duty to deliver health-related services, no licensed instructional employee, instructional aide, or clerical employee shall be disciplined, placed on probation, or dismissed on the basis of such employee's refusal to (i) perform nonemergency health-related services for students or (ii) obtain training in the administration of insulin and glucagon. Any school board employee who does not have a specific duty to deliver health-related services may, with reasonable notice to the school division, decline to provide future health-related services. However, instructional aides and clerical employees may not refuse to dispense oral medications.