Bill > S05744

This bill increases monetary penalties for violations of public health law in several key ways. Under the existing law, most public health law violations could result in civil penalties up to $2,000, but this bill raises that base penalty to $3,000. For violations by nursing homes, hospitals, or residential care programs, the maximum penalty is increased to $5,000 per violation. The bill also escalates penalties for repeat offenses and serious violations: a subsequent violation within 12 months that threatens health and safety can now result in penalties up to $10,000 (increased from $5,000), and violations that directly cause serious physical harm can now incur penalties up to $20,000 (up from $10,000). Additionally, the bill provides that amounts collected from nursing home operators over $10,000 per violation may be transferred to a nursing home quality improvement demonstration program to support projects designed to enhance care quality. These changes aim to create stronger financial deterrents for public health law violations and provide additional resources for improving healthcare services, particularly in nursing home settings. The amendments will take effect immediately but are set to expire with the existing law's sunset provision.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5744