A02480 Summary:

BILL NO    A02480 

SAME AS    No same as

SPONSOR    Pretlow

COSPNSR    

MLTSPNSR   

Add Art 139-A SS6920 - 6927, Ed L

Provides for the licensing and regulation of the practice of biofeedback
therapy; defines practice of biofeedback therapy; establishes state board of
biofeedback therapy and the requirements to qualify for a license as a
biofeedback therapist.

A02480 Actions:

BILL NO    A02480 

01/16/2009 referred to higher education
01/06/2010 referred to higher education

A02480 Votes:

A02480 Memo:

 BILL NUMBER:  A2480

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the education law, in relation to
the practice of biofeedback therapy

 PURPOSE : To provide for the licensing of biofeedback therapists,
define the practice of such therapy, establish qualifications, and
create a state board of biofeedback therapy.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1. Adds a new Article 139-A to the Education Law, entitled
"Biofeedback Therapy Practices Act". Article 139-A will define the
practice of biofeedback therapy, its authorized practice, requirements
for a license, limited permits, exempt persons, special provisions,
practice restrictions, and creation of the state board of biofeedback
therapy.

Section 2. Effective date.

 JUSTIFICATION : There are many stress related disorders and syndromes
with symptoms involving involuntary body processes. The practice of
biofeedback is the use of sensitive instruments to measure bodily
processes and then convert the measurements into information that can
be understood. The information can then be analyzed and used to assist
a person in controlling the body processes.

Currently, a person who wishes to "improve their normal functioning"
has no assurance that a biofeedback therapist is actually trained in
the proper techniques and procedures. In order to protect the public
from the incorrect use and misrepresentation of biofeedback, and
treatment by untrained and unregulated "therapists", a licensing
procedure is necessary.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
2003-04: S.4376 - Referred to Higher Education A.1748 - Referred to
Higher Education

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS : None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE : This act shall take effect on the one hundred
eightieth day after it shall have become a law.