BILL NUMBER: S5706
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law and the public health law, in relation
to authorizing certain nursing students to administer certain vaccines
pursuant to patient specific orders or non-patient specific orders and
authorizing physicians and certified nurse practitioners to prescribe
and order a patient specific order or non-patient specific order to a
nursing student to administer certain vaccines
 
PURPOSE:
To allow nursing students the ability to administer certain vaccines as
well as allow physicians and certified nurse practitioners the ability
to prescribe and order nursing students to administer certain vaccines.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends section 6901 of the education law by adding a new
subdivision 4 defining a 'Nursing Student' as any person either receiv-
ing an education in nursing or who has completed an education in nursing
within the prior year, making them eligible for nursing licensure.
Section 2: Adds a new section to the education law which allows nursing
students to administer immunizations under certain conditions. This
section also specifies the types of immunizations nursing students can
administer like influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 among others.
Outlines the training requirements nursing students must take before
administering said immunizations. Also requires nursing students to
report the administered immunizations to the Department of Health.
Section 3: Amends Paragraph (b) of subdivision 3 of section 2168 of the
public health law by adding a new subparagraph (iii). Adds a reporting
requirement for nursing students who administer vaccines to individuals
nineteen years or older. Specifies the reporting format and time frame
for reporting to the Department of Health or the citywide immunization
registry.
Section 4: Amends Section 6527 of the education law by adding a new
subdivision 7-b. Allows licensed physicians to prescribe patient-specif-
ic orders for nursing students to administer immunizations. Specifies
the types of immunizations nursing students can administer under physi-
cian orders.
Section 5: Amends Section 6909 of the education law by adding a new
subdivision 7-a. Allows certified nurse practitioners to prescribe
patient- specific orders for nursing students to administer immuniza-
tions. Specifies the types of immunizations nursing students can admin-
ister under nurse practitioner orders.
Section 6: Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill aims to improve public health by expanding access to immuniza-
tions. Allowing nursing students to provide certain immunizations under
supervision increases the possible workforce that can administer
vaccines, especially during public health crises like the COVID-19
Pandemic.
Furthermore this legislation provides valuable, practical training to
nursing students, enhancing their skillset under supervision. This bill
is an extension of Executive Order 202.82 that was issued during the
COVID-19 emergency.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2023: N/A
2024: 58519, Referred to Higher Education
Assembly
2023: N/A
2024: A10303, Referred to Higher Education
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5706: 6901 education law, 2168 public health law, 2168(3) public health law, 6527 education law, 6909 education law