Bill > S08737

This bill establishes a temporary practice authorization program for retired registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to return to work in the facilities where they were previously employed, providing supplemental staffing support. To qualify, these retired nurses must have retired within the last eight years, live in New York state, and commit to working at their former facility for at least eight days within a sixty-day period, with the authorization renewable every six months for up to five years. Before practicing, the nurse and the facility must jointly notify the Department of Education, confirming the nurse's intent to provide supplemental support like covering breaks, mentoring new staff, and assisting with daily patient care without taking on primary staffing responsibilities, and that the facility will compensate them at the standard rate. This notification also includes an attestation that both parties believe the nurse meets licensure requirements, that the nurse will not be used for primary staffing, and that the facility will submit quarterly reports on temporary nurse placements and hours worked. The temporary authorization is granted upon receipt of this notice and attestation, expiring after 180 days or if the nurse is found not to meet licensure qualifications. The Department of Education can deny applications if the facility fails to submit required reports or uses temporary nurses for primary staffing. Nurses practicing under this program are subject to the same disciplinary and regulatory authority as licensed nurses. Additionally, the Commissioner of Education will report on the program's usage to state officials and make it publicly available.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8737