NY S08261

Allows licensed dentists and pharmacists with drug or alcohol abuse problems to voluntarily surrender their licenses to the Department of Education if the incapacity has not resulted in patient or client harm.

Requires the Department to notify other state/country licensing authorities, the Commissioner of Health, and relevant hospitals of any license surrender or alternative disposition.

Establishes that surrendered licenses receive inactive status, prohibiting practice, and are not admissions of disability or professional misconduct unless the licensee practices while inactive.

Permits license restoration upon demonstration to the Department's satisfaction that the licensee is no longer incapacitated, with the Department authorized to impose reasonable conditions for public protection.

Designates the Committee on Drug and Alcohol Abuse to administer the program, with all application information kept strictly confidential except for the fact of surrender, program participation, and completion status.