BILL NUMBER: S4118

SPONSOR: LANZA
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 adds a new section 6529-a to the education law which author-
izes any person who is licensed to practice as a physician in another
state or territory, in good standing, to provide reproductive health
services in this state without being licensed pursuant to article 131 of
the education law. Such services shall only be provided after such
person applies for a license pursuant to this article, as well as
providing a letter of intent to provide such services and a letter from
an employer or health care entity indicating that the person has
accepted employment. Such person may continue to provide services until
such time that their license or certification to practice is approved or
denied. This section shall not apply to persons licensed in a state or.
territory determined to have substandard or nonconforming professional
licensing requirements.

Section 2 adds a similar section 6546-a for physician assistants.

Section 3 adds a similar section 6907-a for nurses.

Section 4 adds a similar section 6958-a for midwives.
              

Section 5 is the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Despite contrary efforts across the country, New York State has contin-
ually strengthened the rights and access to reproductive health care. As
the need for these services will only increase in the coming years, the
state must make it easier for more doctors, nurses, and other health
care providers to deliver critical health services to New Yorkers and
those coming to the state for medical assistance.

This bill, by providing temporary authorization to physicians, physician
assistants, nurses, and midwives who are licensed in other states to
provide reproductive health services in this state pending their licens-
ing or certification application, will increase the pool of qualified
reproductive health providers in New York. This authorization only
applies to those coming from states with rigorous standards and only
lasts for the period of the licensing or certification process with the
State Education Department, to ensure that those providing vital repro-
ductive health care services are doing so in a safe and approved way.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the state.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately