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Enactment of a Baccalaureate Degree in 10 years Requirement for Registered Professional Nurses ("RN")

On December 18, 2017, Chapter 502 of the Laws of 2017 was enacted which amended Education Law section 6905 to require RNs to either have or obtain a baccalaureate degree or higher degree in nursing within 10 years of licensure unless otherwise exempted. Chapter 380 of the laws of 2018 extended the effective date until June 18, 2020.

Education Law section 6905 and Commissioner's Regulations 64.1 is available online at: Article 139, Nursing for Registered Professional Nursing and Part 64, Registered Professional Nurse. 

On April 29. 2026, an amendment to the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education took effect which further defines and clarifies the requirements for registered nurses who do not meet certain exemption conditions to achieve a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing within 10 years of becoming licensed in New York State took effect. Read more information about New York State’s BSN in 10 Law.