BILL NUMBER:S2074

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to amend the education law, in relation to requiring school health
service aides in schools within a city with a population of one million
or more

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To improve the
provision of medical
care and services to school children many of whom would otherwise not
have access to such services.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This bill would require that at least
one full time health aide be deployed in every public school within
each community school district in the City of New York.

JUSTIFICATION:
Health Care, health education and
strong preventive
programs are an integral part of learning. A survey by the American
Academy of Pediatrics found that nationally, 94% of the teachers view
health and fitness as important for performance. However, the City's
patchwork of health services for the systems one million public
              

school children does not cover children equally. Several decades ago,
the City's school health program was the model for the nation. In
virtually every school, there was a nurse who ensured that students
were in compliance with government mandates including physical exams
and other screening. In contrast to many suburban and private schools
with full-time nurses and health aides, today, many city schools
receive infrequent visits from public health nurses and have no
on-site health aides.

While this condition adversely affects all students, it is especially
problematic for those who are from low-income families without
medicaid coverage and who are unlikely to receive preventive
services. Without health aides, thousands of students, especially new
entrants, have not received their required physicals, immunizations
and TB tests. Additionally, many others have gone without regular
hearing and vision screenings and without testing for lead poisoning.
As a result, many conditions that interfere with the learning process
and are known to cause behavioral disorders or impair the development
of a child go undetected.

Moreover, numerous exam reports and health files are incomplete and
the health problems of some students may have worsened. In the
absence of trained staff, some school clerical staff have attempted
to fill the gap and administer first aid and other services. This
inadequate level of care comes as need for it increases. With rising
enrollment--including thousands of immigrants--students are faced
with the perils of AIDS, TB
and lead poisoning. Under general supervision a school health aide
would staff the medical room and if trained administer first aid and
emergency services; screen students for vision and hearing; maintain


and review health records for immunization status; and, assist in
referring students in need of medical attention and follow-up.
Ensuring the presence of a health aide in every public school within
each community school district in the City of New York has been
advocated by many including the City Comptroller in 1983 and by a
task force on school health which involved representatives from
medical societies, parent and community organizations, pedagogical
associations, governmental agencies and health interest groups.

Enactment of this bill would demonstrate a commitment to the health,
education and general well-being of the students in New York City.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
The average annual
salary for a health aide is approximately $19,000 including fringe
benefits.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
First of September next succeeding the date on which it shall
have become law.