Bill > A08435

This bill establishes new requirements for infection preventionists (IPs) in general hospitals, defining an IP as a person designated to identify infectious disease processes, conduct surveillance, and develop plans to prevent disease transmission. The bill mandates that IPs must either: (1) hold a national certification in infection prevention and have passed a specific exam, (2) provide evidence of at least one year of prior IP experience within the last four years, or (3) be a supervised student or intern. Hospitals are allowed to hire IPs who do not initially meet certification requirements if they make a diligent effort to find qualified candidates, document their search, and ensure the employee obtains proper certification within three years. The bill also requires hospitals to verify employment dates of IPs upon request and clarifies that licensed healthcare professionals can perform IP tasks within their scope of practice. Importantly, the bill does not permit unlicensed individuals to perform tasks outside their professional scope. The commissioner of health is authorized to create regulations to implement these provisions, and the law will take effect on the first day of January following its enactment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8435