DESCRIPTION:
The Office of the Professions is responsible for oversight of the 48 health, business, and design professions defined in Title VIII of the Education Law, including the licensure and registration of more than 780,000 professionals licensed and registered to practice in New York State. The Office has responsibility for investigating and prosecuting cases of professional misconduct in 45 of those 48 professions; for investigating and prosecuting allegations of illegal practice; and for administering the Professional Assistance Program, which offers the opportunity for rehabilitation of professionals impaired by alcohol or substance abuse. The Office also reviews and registers programs that prepare students for professional licensure; verifies and evaluates educational credentials of applicants completing non-traditional programs, including those outside the U.S; and approves providers of mandated child abuse and infection control training. The Office also includes the State Boards for the Professions, which advise and assist the Board of Regents and the State Education Department on licensing requirements, examinations, practice issues and matters of professional regulations; provide community outreach; and participate in licensure, disciplinary and/or restoration and moral character proceedings. In addition, the Office of the Professions regularly provides the public with information to help them “shop smart” for professional services and to help them recognize and report instances of professional misconduct and unlicensed practice. Additionally, the Office issues advisories, guidelines and other communications to help professionals stay current with regulatory developments and emerging issues. The Office is funded by a special revenue account supported by fees paid by professionals regulated under Title VIII of the Education Law.
The Office of the Professions also administers the out-of-state and foreign medical school evaluation program. This program is fully supported by fees and reimbursement received from the institutions requesting a program review.
REGENTS GOALS: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6
AUTHORITY:
State Statute: Education Law Title VIII
State Regulation: 8NYCRR Parts 59-79
FUNDING SOURCE(S):
State-
Federal-
Special Revenue- 100%
Total- $43.56 m
NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS SERVED: 18.9 million* (2007-08)
*This number represents licensees, individuals filing professional
misconduct and illegal practice complaints, corporate entities, and
customer inquiries received via telephone, e-mail and the Web.
CONTACT OFFICE: Office of the Associate Commissioner for the Professions
TELEPHONE: (518) 474-3817 Ext. 440 FAX: (518) 474-3863