2001 News

CGFNS begins new Credential Verification Service in partnership with New York State Education Department

PHILADELPHIA, PA — MARCH 8, 2001 — The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) has created a new service, the Credential Verification Service for New York State (CVS), to independently verify credentials of foreign-educated health care professionals who are seeking licensure in New York State.

The New York State Education Department requires that foreign-educated registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants obtain independent verification of the authenticity of their credentials from a State Education Department approved Credential Verification service. CGFNS, a world leader in evaluation of international health care credentials, was authorized by the New York State Education Department to provide such a service.

The CVS program independently collects and verifies the authenticity of an applicant’s educational and licensure/registration credentials. Once verified, the credentials are forwarded to the New York State Education Department to be evaluated as part of the applicant’s licensure application. CGFNS assumes no responsibility for, and makes no analysis or determination as to the comparability or sufficiency of the applicant’s education or that the applicant has met any licensure requirements.

CGFNS is an immigration-neutral, nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, PA, USA, and is an internationally recognized authority on education, registration and licensure of nurses and other health care professionals worldwide. CGFNS’s mission is to provide responsible leadership in the delivery of relevant services to the global nursing and health care community. The organization was founded in 1977 through a collaborative effort by representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor; Department of Health, Education and Welfare (now the Department of Health and Human Services); the Immigration and Naturalization Service; and representation from nursing organizations, including the American Nurses Association and the National League for Nursing.

For additional information about CGFNS and the Credential Verification Service for New York State program, contact: Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, P.O. Box 8628, Philadelphia, PA 19104-8628 USA; telephone: (215) 349-8767; fax: (215) 349-0026.