Requires state licensure of persons in the practice of orthopaedic technology; specifies certain requirements including examination, experience, age and character.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A426
SPONSOR: Galef TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the education law, in relation to
state licensure of orthopaedic technologists
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this legislation is to require state licensure of persons
in the practice of orthopaedic technology.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The Education Law is amended by adding a new article 168.
ARTICLE 168 ORTH0PAEDIC TECHNICIANS
§8900. Introduction. This article applies to the profession of ortho-
paedic technology and to the use of the title "orthopaedic technolo-
gist".
§8901. Defines the practice of orthopaedic technology.
§8902. Use of the title "orthopaedic technologist". No person, other
than one who is currently certified as an orthopaedic technologist,
shall practice as an orthopaedic technologist or in a similar capacity
or hold himself or herself out as an "orthopaedic technologist", or
shall use any other term indicating or implying that he or she is an
orthopaedic technologist.
§8903. Requirements for professional licensure. To qualify for certif-
ication as a certified orthopaedic technologist, an applicant shall:
file an application with the department, have experience in the practice
of orthopaedic technology satisfactory to the board and the department,
pass a National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists,
Inc's examination, be at least eighteen years of age, be of good moral
character as determined by department, and pay a fee of $175.00 for an
initial license and a fee of $85.00 for each triennial registration
period.
§8904.Limited permits. Permits limited as to eligibility, practice and
duration shall be issued by the department to eligible applicants.
§8905.Exemptions. Nothing in this article shall be construed to affect,
prevent or in any manner expand or limit the authority of any person
otherwise authorized by law or regulation to practice any function of an
orthopaedic technologist.
§8906. State board for orthopaedic technology. A state board for ortho-
paedic technology shall be appointed by the board of regents on recom-
mendation of the commissioner for the purpose of assisting the board of
regents and the department on matters of professional iicensing and
professional conduct. Details of this board are given.
Section 2. Establishes the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION;
New York State has no certification or licensure for orthopaedic tech-
nologists. Most hospitals and/or orthopaedic offices employ at least one
orthopaedic technologist, and health care systems such as Kaiser Health
Care, Inc., Catholic Health CareWest and Sutter Health Care Systems
request that orthopaedic technologists be certified by the National
Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists.
Othopaedic technologists assist orthopaedic surgeons and perform tasks
such as plaster and synthetic casting, splint setting, brace applica-
tions and different tractions. These tasks require individuals who
possess highly specialized skills in orthopaedics. The National Board
for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists has been certifying
orthopaedic technologists since 1982, and their requirements and exam-
ination protocols provide the model for New York State.
The licensure of orthopaedic technologists would also generate in-state
educational programs, thereby generating new well-paying jobs for New
York citizens.In turn, such individuals contribute to the New York econ-
omy and help contain health care costs since the orthopaedic technolo-
gist can free up physician assistants and orthopaedic surgeons to focus
on other, more sophisticated tasks.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A.6799-B and S.6547 of 2015/2016
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The fiscal implications could include potential revenue for state educa-
tion in the creation of a new education and license program.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the
date on which it shall have become a law.
