NY Requirements Blog
Infection Control & Barrier Precautions, Education for Prescribing Controlled Substances, and Child Abuse Reporter Training
Meet Your New York Continuing Requirements Quickly & Affordably.
Posted by Nicole Ricketts-Murray, RN
If you’re prescribing in New York, whether you’re a physician, physician assistant (PA), resident, or anyone else with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number, responsible prescribing isn’t just a box to check; it’s a professional and ethical responsibility. With the opioid crisis still looming large and state regulations getting stricter, knowing and following New York’s controlled substance rules is crucial to protecting both your patients and your own career. This guide is here to help, highlighting the key laws, practical steps, and continuing education you’ll need for compliant, thoughtful prescribing in New York. You’ll find the latest on monitoring prescriptions, documenting your rationale, and more, so you can practice safely and confidently. Why Responsible Prescribing Matters When controlled substances, especially opioids, aren’t prescribed thoughtfully, the results can be tragic: lives lost to overdose, fami...

Posted by Mary Thompson
As the year draws to a close, it is amazing how quickly time has passed. For many healthcare professionals in New York, whether you are a nurse finishing your last shift of the season, a physician finalizing your annual reports, or a mental health provider scheduling your final sessions of the year, this is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and prepare for a smooth transition into the new year. The final months of the year often come with a lot of activity, both personally and professionally. Between managing patient care, navigating holiday schedules, and staying current with continuing education, it’s easy for important administrative details to slip through the cracks. Yet tying up these loose ends now can prevent last-minute complications, such as missed renewal deadlines or incomplete CE requirements, later. This checklist-style guide will help you stay organized, compliant, and confident as you wrap up the year. Whether you’re newly licensed or a seasoned prac...

Posted by Nicole Ricketts-Murray, RN
Nurses and social workers are on the frontline of patient care, often spotting the first signs that a child might be facing abuse or neglect. When this happens, being a mandated reporter isn’t just about following a rule; it’s about stepping up when a child needs someone the most.  Most professionals know what mandated reporting means, but the tough part comes when the situation isn’t black and white, when doubts linger, emotions get involved, and decisions have to be made quickly. That’s why good training and being prepared matter so much.  Let’s look at a few real-life examples, walk through how decisions are made, and review ways nurses and social workers can be ready to help as mandated reporters.  Mandated Reporting Overview  Mandated reporters are professionals who, by law, have to report if they suspect a child is being abused or neglected—they can’t just turn a blind eye. In New York, you’ll fin...

Posted by Mary Thompson
For those who dedicate their careers to helping others, such as nurses, teachers, social workers, counselors, and healthcare professionals, emotional and physical exhaustion can feel like an unavoidable part of the job. These professionals demand empathy, patience, and compassion every day. Over time, the constant exposure to other people’s pain, trauma, or stress can start to take its toll. But not all exhaustion is the same; two of the most common challenges in helping professions are compassion fatigue and burnout. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they describe distinct experiences that require different approaches for recovery and prevention. Understanding the difference isn’t just about labeling how you feel; it’s about protecting your health, your relationships, and your ability to keep doing the work you love. This blog will help you recognize the signs of compassion fatigue and burnout, understand how they differ, and explore practical...

Posted by Nicole Ricketts-Murray, RN
In the busy reality of healthcare, even the most experienced staff can slip into habits and overlook the small, crucial steps that keep infections at bay. Barrier precautions aren’t just a technical requirement—they’re one of our best shields against the spread of illness, protecting our patients, our teams, and ourselves. Whether you’ve spent years in practice or you’re just starting out, it pays to revisit the basics of PPE and barrier routines. Sometimes, a quick refresher is all it takes to stop an outbreak in its tracks. Why Barrier Precautions Still Matter Hospital-acquired infections are still an everyday reality, no matter where you work. The CDC reminds us that on any given day, 1 in 31 hospital patients is dealing with at least one of these infections. It’s a stark number—but what it really means is that even small slips, like skipping hand hygiene “just this once” or grabbing the same gown twice, can give pathog...