Senate Bill S8384

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8384

SPONSOR: STEC
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to authorize an expedited application review process for certain
health care professionals licensed to practice in other jurisdictions to
practice in this state in connection with Double H Ranch; and providing
for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

 
PURPOSE:

The expedite medical licensure for physicians contracted with Double H
Ranch.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 - Provides that the state Education Department shall expedite
the review of any application for licensure for physicians from other
jurisdictions contracted with Double H Ranch, and waives the application
fee.

              

Section 2 - Provides effective date and date of repeal.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

For decades, Double H Ranch has provided recreational opportunities to
children with serious, often life-threatening, medical conditions.  Each
year, about 2,100 children take part in the year-round programs offered
at Double H Ranch, which include a seven-week summer session, family
weekends in the spring and fall seasons, and a winter ski program.

Children and families regularly travel from across the country for the
programs at Double H Ranch. Often, out-of-state hospitals send groups of
children with a specific illness. But under state law, their medical
providers - experts in a specific illness and familiar with each child's
needs - cannot practice within New York.

The same is true for nurses specializing in the care of these children
with very specific needs. State law further hampers Double H Ranch
because it limits the organization's pool of potential volunteers. As
such, Double H sometimes pays for a state nursing license for volun-
teers. However, paying for physician licenses is not feasible for this
not-for-profit charitable organization.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Minimal cost to the state

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed
repealed one year after such date.