New York publishing healthcare professionals' licensing information on Web

Posted 4-21-97

New York is the first state in the nation to publish information about licensing and disciplinary action taken against health professionals on the Web.

The postings cover the state’s more than 600,000 licensed professionals regulated by the State Board of Regents in 38 categories, including licensed practical nursing, midwifery, physical therapy assisting, and registered professional nursing. Officials with the State Education Department, which provides the listings, point out that this information has always been a matter of public record.

However, the Web site will speed up an inquiry process “that typically took about six weeks by phone,” according to spokesperson Bill Hirschen. He said the online listings benefit consumers, professionals, and the department. “It’s a win-win-win situation,” Hirschen said.

According to Martha Orr, MN, RN, executive director of the New York State Nurses Association, the association hopes "the listings will cut down on illegal unlicensed practice." Orr applauds the Web site. "It’s very user-friendly and makes it possible for anyone who wants to know the quality of their care providers to access that information."

Visitors to the site can search by name or license number. Listings reveal the status of a license, the date of its issue and expiration, as well as summaries of any professional misconduct leading to disciplinary action by the Board of Regents. However, the listings go back to only 1994 and do not reflect disciplinary dismissals, modifications to regents’ decisions, or most actions within the last three months.

The Web site also provides a "Consumer Bill of Rights" and consumer brochures for each of the 38 professions. Disciplinary information for physicians, physicians assistants, and specialist assistants are also available through a link to the State Health Department home page.

Related Sites
Office of Professions, New York State Education Department