(1) Preserve pupils’ ability to learn.
(2) Fulfill existing state requirements and policies regarding pupils’ health.
(3) Contain health care costs through preventive programs and education.
(b) The Legislature finds and declares that the provision of these services may be in jeopardy due to the current caseloads in the public schools, and that failure to maintain adequate health services and standards will result in pupils’ poorer health and ability to learn.
(c) The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall appoint a State School Health Advisory Council to make recommendations to the State Department of Education and the State Department of Health Services to identify model school health services programs and practices that directly serve pupils by January 1, 2005, that can be utilized by county offices of education to provide support and technical assistance to schools and school districts within each county in order to improve the safety and quality of health services to pupils in school districts in each county. The council shall collaborate with the State Department of Education and the State Department of Health Services to develop school health services and school nursing services criteria to be included and reviewed in the Coordinated Compliance Review process, by January 1, 2005. The council shall also develop criteria for county offices of education to consider when selecting and hiring county school nurse consultants.
(d) The council shall serve without compensation. However, expenses of members of the council to attend meetings shall be reimbursed at the applicable rate for state employees. The council may meet four times each year in Sacramento and may be comprised of representatives from the following organizations: American Lung Association of California, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, California School Nurses Organization, California State PTA, California Teachers Association, American School Health Association, Association of California School Administrators, California School Boards Association, California School Employees Association, California Medical Association, California Dental Association, California Optometric Association, schools of nursing, School Nurse Credentialing Program, Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Attorney General, California Assembly on School-Based Health Care, youth groups, health maintenance organizations, the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health Services, county offices of education, county health departments, the State Department of Mental Health, and any other entity deemed necessary and appropriate by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.