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SB 389

Pupil health: individuals with exceptional needs: respiratory services: licensed vocational nurses.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Megan Dahle and 1 co-sponsor

California authorizes Licensed Vocational Nurses to provide respiratory medical services to students with exceptional needs in schools, expanding care access amid RN shortages.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 582, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 389

Legislative bill overview

SB 389 authorizes Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) to provide respiratory services to students with exceptional needs in California schools. Previously, only Registered Nurses (RNs) could perform these specialized medical procedures in educational settings. The bill expands the scope of practice for LVNs to address workforce shortages in school health services.

Why is this important

Many California school districts face critical shortages of RNs to provide respiratory care—including tracheostomy management and ventilator monitoring—to medically complex students. By allowing qualified LVNs to fill this gap, the bill aims to ensure students with respiratory needs receive necessary care without delays or service gaps. This addresses both workforce challenges and student access to essential medical services during school hours.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice concerns: Some nursing organizations may worry that expanding LVN responsibilities into respiratory care—traditionally an RN function—could compromise patient safety without additional oversight or training requirements
  • Implementation clarity: The bill may lack specific guidelines on which respiratory services LVNs can perform, supervision requirements, or liability protections, creating potential confusion in school districts
  • Labor implications: RNs may view this as wage suppression or job displacement, as LVNs typically earn less than RNs while performing expanded duties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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