Amherst, NY - In a farewell ceremony to departing Daemen College President Dr. Edwin Clausen, New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has presented Dr. Clausen with an official pen certificate commemorating a 2012 amendment to New York State law permitting college and university physical therapy faculty to form not-for-profit practices.
The new law was initiated by Daemen and received bipartisan support, carrying it through both houses of the State Legislature in a 164-0 vote as the 2012 Legislative session drew to a close.
Senator Ranzenhofer cited the leadership displayed by Daemen College, which initiated the drive to change the law, resulting in improved access to healthcare that is both high quality, yet less costly. The changes affect three Buffalo area colleges and universities that grant Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees – a total of 19 schools statewide.
“I am taking this opportunity to recognize the leadership role played by Daemen College and Daemen President Dr. Edwin Clausen in helping to drive this legislation,” said Senator Ranzenhofer.
“I am pleased to present Dr. Clausen with a pen certificate commemorating the legislation has been signed into law, and wish him continued great success in the future. Daemen is an even stronger asset to the community and to Western New York as a result of his vision and leadership."
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Senator Ranzenhofer for this gesture,” said Dr. Clausen. “I am deeply honored. I also want to thank Assemblyman Ray Walter for his leadership role in sponsoring these bills. Without our two representatives it simply would not have been possible to accomplish this bipartisan success.
“It has been a great pleasure to work with them, and to enjoy their company. Thank you.”
The legislation allows members of physical therapy faculty to establish non-profit faculty practices, supporting the educational mission of the schools, under the Not-for-Profit Corporation law of New York. These faculty practices will provide clinical instruction and supervision of students, interns, and residents, to enhance their education training in physical therapy. Prior to adoption of the legislation, only faculty at medical schools, dental schools, colleges of optometry, and chiropractic colleges were permitted to form such faculty practices in New York, to practice their respective professions. The first amendment to the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law was in 1993.
The legislation is expected to bring down the costs of health care, while also enabling those colleges and universities that are part of these changes to reach and treat patients who may have little or no insurance, or who may lack care entirely.
Dr. Clausen will leave Daemen College January 31, after serving as president since June, 2011. He was appointed Daemen’s vice president for academic affairs in 2000.
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