BILL NUMBER: S4062
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law and the public health law, in relation
to the practice of physicians licensed in another state or territory of
the United States pursuant to a reciprocal agreement
 
PURPOSE:
To authorize physicians licensed in another state or territory of the
United States to practice in New York State pursuant to a reciprocal
agreement.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1, of the bill amends the Education Law by adding a new subdivi-
sion to section 6526 allowing for any physician licensed in another
state or territory of the United States to practice in New York when
such physician's home state has entered into a reciprocal agreement with
New York to provide time-limited follow-up care via telehealth.
Section 2 amends paragraph 2 of section 2999-cc of the Public Health Law
to add a physician practicing under a reciprocal agreement to the defi-
nition of telehealth provider.
Section 3 of the bill sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
During the course of the pandemic certain flexibilities were implemented
through Executive Order allowing out-of-state physicians to provide
telehealth services to patients in New York. To ensure continued access
to health care and an appropriate transition timeline with the impending
end of administrative flexibilities to allow such services, it is neces-
sary to codify the ability for out of state physicians to continue
providing these services on a limited basis pursuant to an agreement
between New York State and the physician's state of licensure. This is
particularly important in light of the healthcare workforce challenges
that have long existed and were exacerbated and accelerated by the
pandemic. Hospitals and other healthcare providers in New York are
desperate for staffing solutions to keep pace with the healthcare
demands of their communities especially, due to the historic nature of
healthcare staffing crisis.
This proposal would provide a solution that has come to be relied on by
New Yorkers and physicians during the pandemic. This will be particolar-
ly helpful in rural areas of New York near the state's border where
hospitals and health systems collaborate and have relationships across
the borders.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S7432 (May) / A7447 (Paulin)
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately

Statutes affected:
S4062: 6526 education law, 2999-cc public health law, 2999-cc(2) public health law