by Regent Diane O'Neill McGivern, Chair of the Regents Committee on Professional Practice

I am pleased and honored to be assuming my new responsibilities as Chair of the Regents Committee on Professional Practice. I have served as a member of this committee since my appointment as Regent in March 1991. I want to thank my colleague Regent Geraldine Chapey for leading the committee so ably as Acting Chair since the resignation of Regent Ricardo Oquendo last May.

In addition to recommending policy, rule and regulation on matters of professional practice to the full Board of Regents, the Committee on Professional Practice reviews and recommends action on professional discipline cases developed by staff in the Office of the Professions. This "hands on" approach to discipline cases provides valuable insight into real-life professional practice issues--and the consequences of behaviors and environments that compromise sound professional practice.

We must hold individual licensed professionals responsible for providing safe, competent services. We also recognize, however, that other factors can shape licensees' abilities to practice soundly. That's why it is so important that we succeed in defining comprehensive solutions to the nursing shortage. We believe our involvement in such efforts is a wise investment in all professions. In working with professionals and consumers to support sound professional practice, all of us help prevent harm.

2001 - 2002 Membership: Regents Committee on Professional Practice

• Regent Diane O'Neill McGivern, Chair
• Regent Geraldine D. Chapey, Vice Chair
• Chancellor Carl T. Hayden
• Regent Anthony S. Bottar
• Regent Charlotte K. Frank
• Regent Harry Phillips, 3rd
• Regent Joseph Bowman, Jr.

Recent Regents Actions

The following actions were approved at meetings of the Board of Regents held during the period April through July 2001.

Nursing (effective June 12, 2001)
In September 2000, the Regents adopted regulations authorizing the administration of certain immunizing agents pursuant to non-patient specific orders and protocols. This action also authorized the Board to act by resolution to add to the list of allowed immunizing agents. At its June meeting, the Board authorized the administration (by RNs) of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to patients under the age of 18, under the conditions specified in the regulations on non-patient specific orders.

For more information, contact the office of the State Board for Nursing at (518) 474-3817, extension 120, or e-mail nursebd@mail.nysed.gov.

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (effective July 4, 2001)
The Regents approved section 75.4 of Commissioner's Regulations, which implements mandatory continuing competency requirements for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Individuals who are reregistering after January 1, 2002, will be the first affected by the new regulations. Detailed information on the requirements is being sent to practitioners.

For more information, contact the office of the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at (518) 474-3817, ext. 100, or e-mail speechbd@mail.nysed.gov.

The latest information about Regents meeting dates, agenda items, and related documents is available online.