Rhode Island § 16-21-8 - Health and Safety of Pupils
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 16-21-8 — Health and Safety of Pupils, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-21-8. Health and Safety of Pupils
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-8
§ 16-21-8. Certified nurse-teacher.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, each school system shall employ certified nurse-teacher personnel certified by the state department of elementary and secondary education; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to those school districts that are currently allowed to share certified nurse-teacher personnel by the department of elementary and secondary education. The school health program as defined in § 16-21-7 shall only be staffed by certified nurse-teacher personnel.
(b) Any person who, as of August 1, 2021, is employed in a Rhode Island school district pursuant to an all grades registered school nurse certificate, but who does not meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, shall be deemed grandfathered into that school district and may continue to be employed pursuant to that all grades registered school nurse certificate within that same school district. If a person so employed seeks employment in another Rhode Island school district as a school nurse-teacher after August 1, 2021, that person shall be subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Each elementary or secondary school with a school-based health center on site shall employ or have on staff certified nurse-teacher personnel certified by the state department of elementary and secondary education to be on site and/or available for consultation, at a minimum, during the school-based health center hours of operation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 271, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 218, § 1, effective
August 1, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 219, § 1, effective August 1, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch.
351, § 3, effective July 12, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 352, § 3, effective July 12, 2021.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 16-21-8
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 16-21-8 cover?
Section 16-21-8 ("Health and Safety of Pupils") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 16-21-8?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 16-21-8" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 16-21-8 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.