Healthcare (Medical Licensing)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 352: Relates to the use of fluoroscopy by physician assistants

This bill allows licensed physician assistants in New York to use fluoroscopy (real-time x-ray imaging) during medical procedures, such as guiding injections or minimally invasive treatments. To do so, physician assistants must complete a 40-hour didactic course, 40 hours of clinical training, and pass a department-approved competency exam. The law defines fluoroscopy as an x-ray technique providing continuous imaging to track instruments or body parts during procedures. It takes effect 180 days after enactment, with immediate rulemaking authority to implement requirements. The bill directly affects physician assistants and their scope of practice in diagnostic and therapeutic settings.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands PA scope to use fluoroscopy with training, enhancing provider capabilities and patient access to imaging-guided procedures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5878: Allows for reasonable accommodations for the examination portion of licensure requirements to become a social worker for individuals for whom English is not their primary language

Allows for reasonable accommodations for the examination portion of licensure requirements to become a social worker for individuals for whom English is not their primary language and a test in their primary language is not available.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables non-English speaking social workers to obtain licenses, improving access to mental health services and supporting healthcare workforce diversity.92% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves language barrier for social worker licensure, expanding employment access for non-native speakers and aligning with employment standards90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Professional Licensing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3482: Establishes requirements for granting licensure for the practice of mental health counseling

This bill establishes New York State's requirements for mental health counselors seeking licensure from other states. It allows out-of-state applicants to obtain a license if their home state's standards are similar to New York's, they demonstrate recent competency (through work or education), and have no disqualifying disciplinary history. The bill also creates a temporary "provisional license" enabling practice while completing final requirements, valid until a license is denied, expires, or terms are violated. It does not override existing reciprocity rules but clarifies the process for cross-state licensure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFacilitates out-of-state mental health counselor licensure, expanding access to services without restrictions or defunding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3057: Sets standards for addiction professionals

This bill establishes formal standards for addiction professionals in New York by defining the term "addiction professional" and creating minimum qualifications for the role. It requires the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to set training standards - including trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorder referrals, and sensitivity training - and oversee licensing, credentialing, and authorization processes for professionals. The law directly affects addiction counselors, treatment providers, and the state office, mandating that all licensed professionals meet these updated standards to ensure quality care and protect patient rights, including access based on gender identity. It also creates an addiction professionals board to advise on credentialing procedures and fees.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes training standards for addiction professionals including trauma-informed care and co-occurring disorder referrals, strengthening mental health service quality and professional qualifications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Substance Abuse

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 3, 2026

S 4548: Permits dentists to administer vaccinations against human papillomavirus

This bill amends New York's education law to explicitly permit dentists to administer human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations as part of their professional practice. It directly affects dentists by expanding their scope of practice to include HPV vaccine administration, which is currently typically provided by physicians or nurses. The key provision adds "the administration of vaccinations against the human papillomavirus (HPV)" to the legal definition of dental practice under Section 6601. This change would allow dentists to provide HPV vaccines during routine dental visits, potentially increasing access to the vaccine. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands dental scope to include HPV vaccinations, increasing access to preventive healthcare services and broadening provider availability for public health initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 10, 2025

S 8362: Extends provisions of law relating to applied behavioral analysis

This bill extends a temporary rule allowing staff in state-regulated programs to perform applied behavioral analysis duties without full licensure, affecting employees of offices overseeing developmental disabilities, children's services, and mental health. It specifically permits these staff to carry out such work under their current roles but prohibits using licensed titles from Article 167 of the Education Law. The extension expires on July 1, 2030, after which the current exemption will no longer apply. The bill does not create new requirements but temporarily maintains existing workforce flexibility in these state programs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends temporary rule enabling non-licensed staff to provide applied behavioral analysis in mental health programs, improving service access without full licensure requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2190: Provides for the licensing of vision impairment specialists

This bill establishes a new licensing system for two types of vision impairment specialists: orientation and mobility specialists (who teach safe movement techniques) and vision rehabilitation therapists (who provide training for independent living). It requires these professionals to obtain state licenses to use their titles and defines their specific scope of practice, including assessments, training, and use of adaptive devices. The bill also creates a State Board for Vision Impairment Specialists to oversee licensing, composed of licensed practitioners, medical professionals, and blind community representatives. This directly affects individuals seeking to work in these specialized fields and ensures they meet defined standards before practicing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes licensing for vision rehabilitation specialists, ensuring qualified professionals deliver safe, standardized care - enhancing patient access and safety in healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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died · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 5860: Relates to modernizing the chiropractic scope of practice; repealer

S 5860 modernizes New York's chiropractic practice laws by expanding what licensed chiropractors can legally do. The bill allows chiropractors to use diagnostic imaging (like X-rays), provide nutritional counseling, dispense approved supplements, and perform certain soft tissue treatments - previously restricted under older rules. It also authorizes chiropractic clinical assistants to support licensed practitioners under supervision. This directly affects chiropractors and their patients in New York, clarifying scope boundaries without permitting drug prescriptions or surgical procedures. The bill passed the Senate in June 2025 and is now pending in the Assembly's Higher Education committee.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands chiropractor services (diagnostic imaging, nutrition, supplements) improving patient access to non-traditional healthcare options within scope of practice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1983: Enacts the interstate medical licensure compact

Enacts the interstate medical licensure compact; provides a streamlined pathway for medical professionals who are licensed in multiple states to obtain medical licensure in New York.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStreamlined licensure for medical professionals improves cross-state access to healthcare services, aligning with 'improves patient access' indicator.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7988: Relates to the performance of medical services by physician assistants

Relates to the performance of medical services by physician assistants; provides that a physician assistant may practice without the supervision of a physician when such physician assistant is employed by a health system or hospital and is credentialed and given privileges by such health system or hospital, or when such physician assistant is licensed, has practiced for more than six thousand hours, is practicing in primary care, and is performing certain functions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables physician assistants to practice independently under specific conditions, expanding primary care access without physician supervision.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medical Licensing Primary Care

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