New Yorks new law has teeth: The Opticians of New York have been waiting for a law like this for some time, now we have it.
10/07/03 -
Unlicensed Practice Bill Becomes Law
The New York State Society of Opticians has been working with other professional organization to pass legislation to give the New York Education Department new powers to punish people who practice professions without a license. On October 1 the governor signed the bill into law.
The legislation gives the Education Department, which is responsible for regulating 44 professions, the ability to impose civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation of the state's laws and regulations.
The law, which takes effect immediately, also allows the Education Department to issue cease and desist orders to violators and order restitution for victims of illegal practice of a profession.
The Education Department is also now allowed to conduct hearings and appeals in the cases of contested enforcement actions.
While the Education Department has long had the responsibility for regulating professions, it lacked the statutory authority to impose real sanctions.
Prior to this law, action by the attorney general or district attorneys was the only way to enforce the prohibition against unlicensed practice of a profession.
For more information on unlicensed practice enforcement, please contact New York State Education Department Office of Professional Discipline at (518) 485-9350 or visit their website at www.op.nysed.gov
Tom Guthlein, Legislative Chairman
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