A handbook with laws, rules, and regulations of the State Education Department of New York governing nursing practice is presented. It describes licensure requirements and includes complete application forms and instructions for obtaining license and first registration as a licensed practical nurse and professional registered nurse. Applicants are responsible for reading this handbook prior to submitting an application for licensure. Seven sections discuss the following: (1) professional regulation in New York State; (2) licensure requirements (examination dates, application instructions, fee information); (3) licensure forms; (4) education law (article 130, general provisions and article 139, nursing); (5) Commissioner's regulations (part 59, general provisions and part 64, nursing); (6) rules of the Board of Regents (part 17, disciplinary proceedings in the professions, part 24, committee on the professions, part, 28-determination of good moral character, and part 29, unprofessional conduct); and (7) listings of registered programs by state (registered professional nursing and licensed practical nursing). (SM)