Relates to practical nursing training at private schools

1 Co-sponsor

• Eric Adams

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to practical nursing training at private schools

Purpose or general idea of bill

To authorize the State Education Department to register or approve licensed practical nursing programs offered at private schools licensed pursuant to Article 101 ofthe Education Law.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill amends Subdivision 4 of section 6507 of the education law by adding a nwe paragraph a-1 authorizing the State Education Department to register or approve licensed practical nursing programs offered at private schools licensed pursuant to Article 101 of the Education Law.

Justification

The shortage of licensed practical nurses has been reiterated recently by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS). It noted, additionally, that New York's nursing schools are forced to turn away thousands of applicants each year due to a lack of faculty, facilities, or resources. This Legislation would allow private schools licensed pursuant to Article 101 of the Education Law to offer practical nurse programs leading to professional licensure as a LPN. Throughout the United States, licensed private schools are allow to offer LPN programs. California, Florida, Virginia, and closer to home, New Jersey and Connecticut, all allow licensed private schools to offer the LPN program. Students from New York State are enrolling in and graduating from programs in neighboring states, then returning to be approved for licenses in New York State. At least one New Jersey licensed private school advertises on-line for its "NYLPN" program. New York private schools that are licensed under Article 10 1 have not been registered to offer LPN training. These are schools that have successfully offered training for Certified Nurse Assistants, Home Health Aides, Medical Assistants, Patient Care Technicians, Diagnostic Radiography and other health-care related fields. New York schools are losing opportunities to school operators outside the state, with commensurate loss of tax revenue to New York State. New York students are being denied the opportunity to take these courses nearer home. The legislation would allow registration or approval by the State Education Department's Office of Professions, but would otherwise treat all aspects of these schools and programs within the provisions and protections of Article 101 of the Education Law, except curriculum approval and teacher licensing subject to approval by the Office of Professions.

Prior legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.