Bill > S06731

This bill establishes new requirements for infection preventionists in general hospitals in New York State. It defines an "infection preventionist" as a designated hospital professional responsible for identifying infectious disease processes, conducting surveillance, and developing prevention plans. To qualify, individuals must either have passed a nationally accredited exam and maintain certification in infection prevention, have at least one year of prior experience as an infection preventionist within the past four years, or be a supervised student or intern. Hospitals are allowed to hire individuals who do not initially meet certification requirements if they make a good-faith effort to find qualified candidates and the new hire obtains the necessary credentials within three years. The bill also requires hospitals to verify employment dates of infection preventionists upon request and preserves the right of licensed professionals to perform infection prevention tasks within their scope of practice. Importantly, the bill mandates that the state commissioner of health create regulations to implement these requirements, with the law set to take effect on the first day of January following its passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6731