Bill > S00015

This bill requires nursing homes to create and submit detailed plans to the Department of Health for designating dedicated storage spaces for deceased persons during disaster emergencies with excess mortality. These storage spaces must be located on or adjacent to the nursing home grounds, isolated from public and patient areas, sufficiently refrigerated, and of appropriate size and construction. The plan must specify the maximum number of bodies that can be safely stored, outline procedures for handling and transferring bodies, and include methods for maintaining bodies in a safe and sanitary manner. If a nursing home cannot create an appropriate on-site storage space, they may contract with a third party to provide mobile storage spaces that meet the same requirements. Nursing homes must maintain comprehensive records about body storage and transfers for five years, including death certificates, transfer documentation, and related permits. The Department of Health will have authorization to inspect these storage spaces at any time without prior notice, and the health commissioner is tasked with developing specific regulations to implement these requirements. The bill is designed to help nursing homes manage potential high-mortality situations during emergency events by ensuring respectful and proper handling of deceased residents.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S15