May 23, 2025

Attached, please find an Emergency/Proposed Rule Making published by the State Education Department in the State Register on May 21st related to Licensing Examinations and Testing Accommodations in the Social Work Professions to allow English as a Second Language test accommodations for LMSW and LCSW exams.

Also attached, please find a Notice of Adoption published in the State Register by the State Department of Health on May 21st related to In-Person Medical Evaluation Requirements and Exceptions for Controlled Substance Prescribing. This rule serves to clarify existing language with regard to the requirement for a practitioner to conduct an in-person medical evaluation prior to the issuance of a prescription for a controlled substance medication. Further, the rule serves to align allowances for the prescribing of controlled substance medications by telemedicine or telehealth in New York State with federal law and regulation and to align New York State with changes made to 21 USC § 823, and reduce stigma associated with substance use disorders.

We are analyzing both items and will have analysis shortly.  In the meantime, see attached docs.