N.Y. Public Health Law Section 470
Prohibition of tongue-splitting

1.

For the purposes of this section, “tongue-splitting” shall mean the cutting of a person’s tongue into two or more parts.

2.

No person shall perform a tongue-splitting on another person, unless the person performing such tongue-splitting is licensed to practice medicine pursuant to article one hundred thirty-one of the education law or licensed to practice dentistry pursuant to article one hundred thirty-three of the education law.

3.

A violation of subdivision two of this section shall constitute a class A misdemeanor; provided, however, that a second or subsequent violation of such subdivision committed within five years of the date of conviction for a prior offense shall constitute a class E felony.

Source: Section 470 — Prohibition of tongue-splitting, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/PBH/470 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Feb. 7, 2026).

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Verified:
Feb. 7, 2026

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 470. Prohibition of tongue-splitting's source at nysenate​.gov

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