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Mandated Training Related to Infection Control

All dentists, dental hygienists, licensed practical nurses, optometrists, podiatrists, and registered nurses must complete course work or training appropriate to their practice regarding infection control and barrier precautions, including engineering and work controls to prevent the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the hepatitis b virus (HBV) in the course of professional practice, every four years according to Section 6505-b of the Education Law. You must attest to having completed this requirement to the State Education Department on your first licensure/registration application and at every subsequent registration.

All physicians, physician assistants, and specialist assistants must complete course work or training in accordance with Section 239 of the Public Health Law at the time of their initial licensure/registration and every four years thereafter.

Choosing a Provider

You may choose a training provider that has been approved by either the State Education Department or the Department of Health. This list of providers includes those organizations approved by the State Education Department as providers of training in infection control. Providers must use the prescribed syllabus prepared by the Department. They are required to cover, at a minimum, the seven core elements jointly approved by the State Education Department and the Department of Health, and are authorized to issue a Certification of Completion for each person completing the course work. Although most providers will present the course work or training in a classroom setting, some may offer a distance format. Dates, fees, and course length may vary from provider to provider.

The Department has approved course work for specific professional groups. Please check with the provider to determine if the course they are offering is appropriate for your profession, as some providers will offer training ONLY to certain professional groups.

To obtain a list of course work providers approved by the Department of Health (DOH) or to contact the Department of Health regarding infection control for physicians, physician assistants or specialist assistants write or call:

Bureau of Healthcare-Associated Infections

Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Control Program
New York State Department of Health

You may also find a list of approved New York State Department of Health Providers by clicking here.

DOH is responsible for approving course work offered by DOH-regulated health care facilities or offered by physician or physician/specialist assistant organizations.

Documentation

Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Licensed Practical Nurses, Optometrists, Podiatrists and Registered Nurses

  • When you have completed the required coursework or training, the approved provider will give you a Certification of Completion.
  • Please DO NOT submit this form to the State Education Department. Instead, keep the certificate in the event that you are required to submit it at a later date.
  • You must attest to having completed this requirement to the State Education Department on your first licensure/registration application and at every subsequent registration.

Physicians, Physician Assistants and Specialist Assistants

  • When you have completed the required coursework or training, the approved provider will give you a Certification of Completion.
  • If you are affiliated with a hospital, please DO NOT submit this form to the Department of Health. Instead, keep the certificate in the event that you are required to submit it at a later date. It is also recommended that you file a copy with your hospital personnel office or hospital administrator. Hospitals are required to verify completion of coursework prior to credentialing physicians who wish to be affiliated.
  • If you are NOT affiliated with a hospital, you must submit the Certificate of Completion to the Department of Health at the address above. Please keep a copy for your records.

Exemption

You may be eligible for exemption from the training if you can document, to the satisfaction of the Department, that there is no need for the training based on the nature of your practice.

Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Licensed Practical Nurses, Optometrists, Podiatrists and Registered Nurses

If you wish to apply for exemption based on the nature of your practice, or if you can satisfactorily document that you have completed course work in infection control within the past four years that included the minimum information required in the New York State approved syllabus, you should indicate that you wish to apply for an exemption on the Form 1IC (11 KB) and submit the completed form to the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions at the address on the form. It should be noted that professionals in these fields not currently practicing in New York State but holding active New York State licenses DO NOT need to complete the infection control course work at this time. Upon resuming practice in New York State you will have 90 days to complete the training.

Physicians, Physician Assistants and Specialist Assistants

If you wish to apply for an exemption, you should contact the Department of Health, Bureau of Healthcare Associated Infections, at the link above.

Any questions related to the Infection Control and Barrier Precautions Workshop can be sent to OPPLEUIC@nysed.gov