Bill > S05706

This bill expands the ability of certain nursing students to administer vaccines by allowing them to do so under both patient-specific orders (orders for a particular patient) and non-patient-specific orders (standing orders for a group of patients or a specific situation), provided they are overseen by the Department of Health or local health departments and supervised by licensed physicians, physician assistants, or certified nurse practitioners. A "nursing student" is defined as someone currently enrolled in or who has recently completed a nursing education program within the past year, making them eligible for licensure. The bill specifies which vaccines nursing students can administer, including those for influenza, pneumococcal disease, shingles, hepatitis A and B, HPV, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, COVID-19, meningococcal disease, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, as well as emergency anaphylaxis medications, with age restrictions for different vaccines. It also allows for the administration of other immunizations as determined by the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner of Education, based on public health needs and recommendations from recognized medical organizations. Before administering vaccines, nursing students must complete specific training in vaccination techniques, infection control, and have a basic CPR certification. They are also required to report vaccine administrations to the appropriate health departments and inform patients about the importance of having a primary healthcare provider. Furthermore, licensed physicians and certified nurse practitioners are authorized to issue these patient-specific or non-patient-specific orders to nursing students for vaccine administration, aligning with the expanded scope of practice for nursing students.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5706