New York A 3977: Enacts the limited-scope wound care specialist certification act

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A03977 Summary:

BILL NOA03977 

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SAME ASNo Same As

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SPONSORTapia

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COSPNSR

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MLTSPNSR

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Add Art 169 §§8860 - 8865, Ed L

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Enacts the "limited-scope wound care specialist certification act", directing the department of education to establish a program for the education and certification of individuals working for non-profit organizations as limited-scope wound care specialists.

Go to top A03977 Actions:

BILL NOA03977 

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01/30/2025referred to higher education

01/07/2026referred to higher education

Go to topA03977 Committee&nbspVotes:

Go to topA03977 Floor&nbspVotes:

There are no Assembly votes for this bill in this legislative session.

Go to topA03977 Text:

 STATE OF NEW YORK
 ________________________________________________________________________

 3977

 2025-2026 Regular Sessions

 IN ASSEMBLY

 January 30, 2025
 ___________

 Introduced by M. of A. TAPIA -- read once and referred to the Committee
 on Higher Education

 AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to enacting the "limit-
 ed-scope wound care specialist certification act"

 The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-
 bly, do enact as follows:

 1 Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as
 2 the "limited-scope wound care specialist certification act".
 3 § 2. The education law is amended by adding a new article 169 to read
 4 as follows:
 5 ARTICLE 169
 6 CERTIFIED LIMITED-SCOPE WOUND CARE SPECIALISTS
 7 Section 8860. Legislative findings and purpose.
 8 8861. Definitions.
 9 8862. Limited-scope wound care specialist certification program.
 10 8863. Scope of practice.
 11 8864. Immunity from liability.
 12 8865. Enforcement and regulation.
 13 § 8860. Legislative findings and purpose. The legislature hereby finds
 14 that:
 15 1. Minor flesh wounds are common among vulnerable populations, includ-
 16 ing those suffering from drug abuse or experiencing homelessness.
 17 2. Non-profit organizations often serve these communities, providing
 18 essential services where access to medical care is limited.
 19 3. Empowering individuals in non-profits with the skills to administer
 20 basic wound care, including the application of antibacterial and hygien-
 21 ic solutions, will improve public health outcomes and prevent compli-
 22 cations from untreated wounds.
 23 4. This certification is intended to be similar to CPR certification,
 24 providing accessible and practical training without replacing profes-
 25 sional medical care.

 EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
 [ ] is old law to be omitted.
 LBD07138-01-5

 A. 3977 2

 1 § 8861. Definitions. For the purposes of this article, the following
 2 terms shall have the following meanings:
 3 1. "Minor flesh wound" means a wound that involves a break in the
 4 skin, such as cuts, scrapes, and abrasions, which does not penetrate
 5 deeper tissues or require suturing by a licensed medical professional.
 6 2. "Non-profit organization" means an organization recognized as tax-
 7 exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code, which oper-
 8 ates for charitable, educational, or other exempt purposes.
 9 3. "Limited-scope wound care certification" means a certification
 10 granted under this article, authorizing an individual to provide first
 11 aid and basic wound care for minor flesh wounds, including the applica-
 12 tion of antibacterial and hygienic solutions.
 13 § 8862. Limited-scope wound care specialist certification program. 1.
 14 The department shall establish a certification program for limited-scope
 15 wound care specialists, which shall be modeled after existing cardiopul-
 16 monary resuscitation (CPR) programs. Such program shall be open to all
 17 individuals affiliated with a recognized non-profit organization,
 18 provided such individuals meet the educational and training requirements
 19 under this section.
 20 2. To qualify for certification under this section, applicants shall
 21 complete a training course approved by the department, in collaboration
 22 with the department of health, which shall include:
 23 (a) A minimum of one hundred hours of instruction on wound care prin-
 24 ciples, including the cleaning, dressing, and monitoring of minor flesh
 25 wounds;
 26 (b) Ins