Fixation on Histology

On August 31st 2018, all Limited Licenses authorized by the New York State Office of Professions for Clinical Laboratory Technicians, Technologist and Certified Histological Technicians expired. The Limited License pathway was intended to allow individuals to obtain a license and practice while seeking to meet the educational requirements promulgated under Title VIII, Article 165 of the Education Law passed in 2006. The Limited License pathway originally set to expire in 2013 was extended to 2016 and then again extended to 2018. On July 31st of 2018, NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law Chapter 147 of the Laws of 2018 which amended the education law and regulations.

The bills were sponsored by Assembly member William Magnarelli of district 129 (bill A9966) and Senator John DeFranciso of the 50th Senate District (bill S8140). The Law repeals §8610 sub 2 and amends §8608 & §8610 allowing the Department of Education to issue “Provisional Permits” for clinical laboratory technologist and histological technicians.

The issue was that the Limited License was exactly that; it was available as a path to licensure for a limited period, expiring in August of 2018. In order to offer a mechanism for students and non-licensed practicing personnel, the amendments provide a non-expiring application pathway for individuals to work while they meet the educational requirements for full licensure.

The requirements to receive a Provisional Permit are the same as for the Limited License. Provisional Permits will enable individuals to work in the laboratory, under supervision, for one year in order to provide them with time to complete the education and/or examination requirements needed for full licensure. The provisional permits can be extended for one additional year for good cause as determined by the Department of Education. An e-mail providing information on how to apply for a provisional permit was sent to all limited license holders, including a link to the Provisional Permit Application Form. Please visit the NYS office of professions (link below) to review the requirements and procedures for applying for a Provisional Permit:

(http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/clt/clp-histologicaloptions.htm)

Also in the beginning of July, Governor Cuomo signed into law Chapter 85 of the Laws of 2018 that changed the effective date of the regulations affecting individuals applying for licensing as a Pathologist Assistant in New York State. Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte of District 42 and Senator Kenneth LaValle of the 1st District sponsored the bills (A10174 and S8088, respectively). The Law amends §8852 of the Education Law, changing the effective date of the regular licensure pathway for Pathologist Assistants from November 28th 2018 to July 1st of 2018.

Essentially, the amendment allows the Department to accept applications under the regular licensure pathway and grandparenting licensure pathways at the same time. The grandfathering pathway is set to expire November 27th, 2019.

Individuals seeking licensure under the regular pathway need to satisfy the requirements in §8852 (Requirements for licensure as a pathologists’ assistant) and those applying thru the grandparenting path must meet the requirements §8853 (Special provisions; eligibility). For additional information, please visit the NYS Office of Professions (http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/patha/)