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Temporary Charitable Practice Authorization

Part 59.17 of the Commissioner's Regulations allows out of state licensed professionals to apply for a temporary charitable practice authorization letting them provide uncompensated professional services for charitable, humanitarian, educational, public health or community service purposes to address workforce shortages or unmet service needs affecting underserved populations.

It is important to note the following:

Duration of this authorization: The authorization will not exceed 60 days in any calendar year, unless otherwise determined by the Department.  

Scope or practice under this authorization: A holder of a temporary charitable practice authorization may provide professional services that are within the scope of practice authorized by the individual’s home jurisdiction and in accordance with New York State Law.

Practice under this authorization: While practicing under a temporary charitable practice authorization, services provided must be rendered without compensation to the holder of the authorization. Also, these services shall be provided solely in connection with a charitable, humanitarian, educational, public health or community service activity which is intended to address unmet service needs of an underserved population, or professional workforce shortage within New York State. 

Professional conduct under this authorization: A holder of a temporary charitable practice authorization is subject to the provisions of the Education Law and the Rules of the Board of Regents relating to professional misconduct. Conduct inconsistent with the laws governing the profession, the conditions of authorization, or the requirements of any proposed rule may result in the denial, suspension, revocation or limitation of the authorization. Additionally, the Department may refer evidence of professional misconduct to the appropriate licensing authority in any jurisdiction where the individual is authorized to practice.

Before applying for a temporary charitable practice authorization, carefully review this page and Part 59.17 to be sure you are eligible for this authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

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To be considered eligible to apply for a Temporary Charitable Practice Authorization you must: 

  1. Be licensed/certified and in good standing in another state which has requirements for licensure that are substantially equivalent to New York State’s requirements;
  2. Be in good standing in all jurisdictions where authorized to practice;
  3. Have not been subject to professional discipline that would constitute professional misconduct under New York law, or has disclosed such discipline and provided information demonstrating rehabilitation satisfactory to the Department; and
  4. Agree to comply with all applicable provisions of law and regulation and submit to the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents and the Department.
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A temporary charitable practice allows someone who holds a license/certificate in a profession that is, in the opinion of the department, substantially equivalent to a licensed profession in New York State. You can find a list of New York State licensed professions on the Office of the Professions' website. 

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You must complete a Application for Temporary Charitable Practice Authorization [link to form] and submit it, or have it submitted to the Office of the Professions along with the $35 application fee to the address at the end of the form.

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After approval of your application, you will receive a authorization certificate displaying:

  1. your name;
  2. the title of the licensed profession you may practice in New York State;
  3. the dates for your professional practice in New York State; and
  4. any limitations imposed by the Department.
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Yes, you may apply for authorization(s) for an additional 60 days after the previous calendar year has expired provided you submit an application, fee, and meet all requirements listed. For example, if you received an authorization that began on September 1, 2026, you would need to wait until September 1, 2027 before you could apply for an additional 60 days.