(a) The minimum requirements for a services credential with a specialization in health for a school nurse are all of the following:

(1) A baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

(2) A valid California license as a registered nurse.

(3) One year of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree in a program approved by the commission.

(b) The period for which a services credential with a specialization in health for a school nurse is valid shall be as follows:

(1) For a preliminary credential, pending completion of the one year of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree in a program approved by the commission, five years.

(2) For the professional credential, after completion of requirements specified by the commission, five years.

(c) The services credential with a specialization in health for a school nurse shall authorize the holder to perform, in grades 12 and below, the health services approved by the commission and designated on the credential.

(d) The holder of a services credential with a specialization in health for a school nurse who also completes the requirements for a special class authorization in health in a program that is approved by the commission is authorized to teach classes on health in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and classes organized primarily for adults.

(e) For the purposes of the requirement in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), the commission may approve a program offered by a local educational agency, which had 40,000 or more pupils enrolled during the 2019-20 school year, for one year of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree. The commission shall apply the standards for approval of a program of professional preparation offered by a postsecondary educational institution to a program of professional preparation offered by a local educational agency.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 668, Sec. 1. (AB 815) Effective January 1, 2022.)