Requires registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physicians, physicians assistants and specialist assistants to complete domestic violence training or course work

1 Co-sponsor

• Ruben Diaz

BILL NUMBER:S1844A

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law and the public health law, in relation to domestic violence course work or training

Purpose

This bill requires health care professionals to complete domestic violence course work or training appropriate to their professional practice.

Summary of provisions

Section one adds a new section 6505-d to the Education Law to require registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to undergo approved domestic violence course work or training related to their professional practice. These professionals would be required to document completion of this training when registering with the department beginning January 1, 2014.

Section three adds a new section 239-c to the Public Health Law to require physicians, physician assistants and specialist assistants to undergo approved domestic violence course work or training related to their professional practice. These professionals would be required to document completion of this training to the department beginning January 1, 2014.

Justification

In 1993, the Senate Democratic Task Force on Women's Issues held public hearings across the state on the health implications of domestic violence. Many witnesses at these hearings, including survivors, advocates and health care professionals, testified regarding the need for health care professionals to undergo domestic violence training related to their professional practices. This legislation will provide for training for health care professionals while assuring that such training is relevant to their practices.

Legislative history

S.3981/A.3808 of 2009-2010 01/13/11 REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION 01/04/12 REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Fiscal implications

None to the state.

Effective date

180 days after enactment.