California Senate Bill SB389

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/14/25
• Introduced: 2/14/25
• Refer: 2/26/25
• Report Pass: 3/26/25
• Refer: 3/26/25
• Refer: 4/24/25
• Report Pass: 4/28/25
• Refer: 4/28/25
• Engrossed: 5/15/25
• Refer: 5/29/25
• Report Pass: 7/3/25
• Refer: 7/3/25
• Report Pass: 7/8/25
• Refer: 7/8/25
• Report Pass: 8/20/25
• Enrolled: 8/28/25
• Chaptered: 10/10/25
• Passed: 10/10/25

Caption

An act to amend Section 3765 of the Business and Professions Code, and to amend Section 49423.

Impact

The enactment of SB 389 is expected to significantly affect the provision of specialized health care services for students with exceptional needs. By allowing licensed vocational nurses to perform specific respiratory tasks under appropriate supervision, the bill seeks to enhance accessibility to necessary health services in schools. This amendment aligns with existing laws aimed at ensuring that students receive adequate health support while attending school, thus promoting better health outcomes and educational opportunities for affected students. Furthermore, it emphasizes a collaborative approach between health professionals and educational staff to meet the needs of students with diverse health challenges.

Summary

Senate Bill 389, introduced by Ochoa Bogh, aims to amend Sections 3765 of the Business and Professions Code and 49423.5 of the Education Code, focusing on pupil health, particularly for individuals with exceptional needs who require respiratory services. This bill expands the scope of care that licensed vocational nurses can provide within educational settings, specifically authorizing them to perform suctioning and other basic respiratory tasks under the supervision of a credentialed school nurse. This measure seeks to improve the support provided to students who have special healthcare requirements during the school day.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB 389 appears to be supportive among advocates for health and educational equity. Supporters argue that expanding the capabilities of licensed vocational nurses in schools will lead to improved health management for students with special needs. However, there may be some concerns regarding the adequacy of training and resources available for vocational nurses to effectively carry out these additional responsibilities. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the importance of integrating health care directly into educational environments to better support vulnerable populations.

Contention

While the bill largely garners support, potential points of contention include the readiness of licensed vocational nurses to assume these new responsibilities and the implications for school staffing and training requirements. Additionally, stakeholders may question the potential cost implications for schools and whether existing health resources can accommodate the changes outlined in the bill. The balance between enhancing healthcare accessibility for students and ensuring that the educational framework can sustain these enhancements effectively presents a challenge that may need to be addressed through future regulations or amendments.