Bill > A01365

This bill requires nursing homes to develop and submit plans to the New York State Department of Health for designating dedicated storage spaces for deceased persons during a declared disaster emergency with excess mortality. The plan must include details such as the location of a refrigerated, isolated storage area on or adjacent to the nursing home grounds, the maximum number of bodies that can be safely stored, and procedures for handling and transferring bodies in a safe and sanitary manner. Nursing homes that cannot construct an appropriate on-site space may contract with third-party providers for mobile storage units that meet the same requirements. The storage space is specifically for residents of the nursing home and is not considered a public morgue. Nursing homes must maintain detailed records about each deceased person, including death certificates, transfer dates, and transport details, and keep these records for five years. The Department of Health will have the authority to inspect these storage spaces without prior notice, and the commissioner of health will create regulations to implement the bill. The law will take effect 60 days after becoming law, with the health commissioner authorized to prepare implementing regulations immediately.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1365