A. A level one license is a provisional three-year license for beginning registered nurses who do not have at least three years of nursing experience satisfactory to the department prior to being licensed as a school nurse and that requires as a condition of licensure that the licensee undergo a formal mentorship program for at least one full school year and an annual intensive performance evaluation by a level three school nurse; provided that the department shall promulgate rules for mentorship and evaluation when a school district does not have a level three nurse. A registered nurse with at least three years of nursing experience satisfactory to the department is not required to serve as a level one school nurse. B. Each school district, in accordance with department rules, shall provide for the mentorship and evaluation of level one school nurses. At the end of each year and at the end of the license period, the level one school nurse shall be evaluated for competency. If the school nurse fails to demonstrate satisfactory progress and competence annually, the school nurse may be terminated as provided in Section 22- 10A-24 NMSA 1978. If the school nurse has not demonstrated satisfactory progress and competence by the end of the three-year period, the school nurse shall not be granted a level two license. C. Except in exigent circumstances defined by department rule, a level one license shall not be extended beyond the initial period. D. The department shall issue a standard level one license to an applicant who is at least eighteen years of age who: (1) holds an associate or baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited educational institution; (2) is licensed by the board of nursing as a registered nurse; and (3) meets other qualifications for level one licensure, including clearance of the required background check. E. The department shall establish competencies and qualifications for level one licensure. F. The minimum salary for a level one school nurse is the same as that for a level one teacher for a standard nine and one-half month contract. G. After the issuance of a license, a license holder shall not be required to meet changed requirements to maintain the license until such time as the license expires and the license holder seeks renewal of the license. History: Laws 2025, ch. 150, § 3.
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