New York Senate Bill S09488

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/26
• Refer: 3/17/26

Caption

Authorizes occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to be eligible for a limited permit once they meet all requirements for admission to the licensing examination instead of after graduating.

Summary

This bill amends the Education Law to expand eligibility for a limited permit for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. Under current law, limited permits are tied to graduation from an approved occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant program. The bill would instead allow an applicant to receive a limited permit once they meet all requirements for admission to the licensing examination, even if they have not yet graduated, so long as they comply with the commissioner’s regulations. The measure also retains the existing provision allowing certain foreign occupational therapists in the United States on a nonimmigration visa for study under an exchange student program to qualify for a limited permit. The bill takes effect immediately and applies to both occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.

Impact

The bill would amend section 7905 of the Education Law by removing graduation as a prerequisite for limited permits for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants and replacing it with eligibility for the licensing examination. This would likely broaden the pool of individuals able to work under limited permit status before completing their degree or certificate program, subject to regulatory requirements. It affects applicants, educational programs, employers, and the state licensing framework overseen by the education department and the board of occupational therapy.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the overall sentiment appears neutral to supportive. The proposal is framed as a licensing access and workforce flexibility measure, suggesting an intent to ease entry into supervised practice rather than to restrict practice. No opposition, amendments, or recorded controversy are reflected in the available materials.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the shift away from a graduation requirement, which could raise concerns about whether applicants are sufficiently prepared for supervised practice before completing their program. Supporters would likely view the change as a way to reduce barriers and help address workforce needs, while critics might worry about training standards, patient safety, or consistency with existing educational prerequisites. No specific stakeholders or formal objections are documented in the provided record.