WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 9223

Relates to mandatory continuing education requirements for acupuncturists

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Liu

New York requires licensed acupuncturists to complete 45 hours of formal continuing education every three years (15 per year) to renew licensure.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 9223

Summary of Bill S. 9223 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes mandatory continuing education (CE) requirements for licensed acupuncturists in New York.
  • Aims to ensure ongoing professional competency by tying licensure renewals to CE completion, with certain exemptions and regulatory details.

Key provisions and changes

  • Mandatory CE obligation

    • All acupuncturists licensed in New York and required to register triennially must complete CE hours as defined in the statute.
    • A licensee who does not satisfy the CE requirements cannot practice until compliant and issued a registration or conditional registration certificate.

  • Exemptions and special circumstances

    • New licensees: exempt from CE for their first triennial registration period.
    • Health or other good cause: department may grant adjustments for health reasons (certified by a health professional), extended active duty with the U.S. armed forces, or other good cause approved by the department.
    • Not in public practice: if the licensee is not engaged in public practice (various specified roles or as otherwise determined by the department), they may be exempt by filing a statement. If they return to public practice, they must meet CE requirements and notify the department prior to reentry.

  • No competency testing requirement

    • The bill clarifies that nothing in this section authorizes continuing competency testing or certification.

  • CE requirements and prorations

    • Over each triennial period, licensees must complete 45 hours of acceptable formal CE, with at least 15 hours per year.
    • If the first registration occurs less than three years after the effective date, CE hours are prorated at 1.25 hours per month from the effective date to the first registration date.
    • CE hours from one triennium cannot be carried over to the next.

  • Conditional registration for non-compliance

    • The department may issue a conditional registration to a licensee who fails to meet CE requirements but agrees to make up deficiencies and take additional required education.
    • The conditional registration duration can be up to one year and carries the same fee as the triennial registration, in addition to it.
    • Practicing without proper registration after conditional denial can trigger disciplinary proceedings.

  • Definition and acceptance of CE

    • “Acceptable formal CE” means programs contributing to professional practice and approved for CE credit by NCBAHM (or successor recognized by the department).
    • The department must accept NCBAHM-approved hours/credits at face value.
    • The commissioner, with the state board for acupuncture, can identify subject areas that must be included, for public health and welfare reasons, through regulation.

  • Attestation and documentation

    • Licensees must attest at each triennial registration to completing CE and maintain documentation to support completion.
    • Documentation must be provided to the department upon request; failure to provide documentation constitutes misconduct and can lead to disciplinary action.

  • Fees

    • A mandatory CE fee of $45 is required, payable with the triennial registration and in addition to the standard registration fee.
    • The fee funds the department’s administration and auditing of CE compliance.

  • Regulatory authority

    • The Commissioner, with the state board for acupuncture, is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the CE program.

Who would be affected

  • Licensed acupuncturists in New York who must register triennially to practice.
  • Acupuncturists who are not in public practice (may be exempt but must file a declaration).
  • Practitioners facing deficiencies in CE (possible conditional registration and disciplinary consequences if non-compliant).
  • The New York Department of Education (or the relevant department) and the state board for acupuncture, which would administer CE requirements and related regulations.
  • NCBAHM (or its successor) as the approved CE credentialing body, whose CE courses are recognized for credit.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect 180 days after becoming law; implementing regulations can be enacted by that date.
  • Triennial cycle: CE hours are calculated per three-year registration periods (45 hours total; minimum 15 per year).
  • First-year prorate: If first registration is within three years of the act’s effective date, CE is prorated accordingly.
  • Documentation: Attestation and supporting documentation required at each renewal; non-compliance triggers enforcement.
  • Regulatory process: Commissioner and state board to promulgate implementing regulations; subject areas may be mandated by regulation.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Ensures ongoing professional development for acupuncturists.
  • Creates a structured compliance framework with clear exemptions and exemptions-related processes.
  • Introduces a modest annual CE workload (roughly 15 hours/year on average) with a $45 CE fee.
  • Provides a mechanism for conditional practice to avoid full deregistration while meeting CE deficiencies.
  • Requires practitioners to maintain and provide documentation upon request, enabling oversight and potential disciplinary actions for non-compliance.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s text as introduced and the current action history up to the latest Senate action noted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.