Bill > S06747

This bill enacts the "Safer Health Care Facility Construction Act", which requires the commissioner of health to establish Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) standards to reduce infection risks in health care facilities. The bill mandates that all construction work on new or expanded health care facilities must comply with these ICRA standards, which include minimum requirements for facility design, construction, renovation, maintenance, and inspection. Additionally, the bill establishes a certification program requiring all construction workers performing work in health care facilities to be certified by the commissioner after completing a training course. Workers must carry their non-transferable certification, which is valid for up to four years, and can be renewed within a specific timeframe. The legislation is motivated by CDC estimates that one in thirty-one hospital patients has a health care-associated infection, which costs the healthcare system approximately $28 billion annually. The bill allows the commissioner to adopt nationally recognized standards and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance, which will be determined in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. The act will take effect one year after becoming law, with preparatory rule-making allowed to begin immediately.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6747