New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Dec. 7 that requires nursing homes to swiftly update residents and family when an infection is detected within the facility.
The legislation expands existing pandemic emergency plans to improve communication so residents and families and guardians are aware of an infection in the facility when it happens, according to a news release from the governor's office. It also requires facilities to prepare a plan to accommodate residents during an infectious disease outbreak, including plans to place residents to prevent spread.
"The COVID-19 pandemic taught us many necessary, but deeply painful, lessons," state Sen. James Skoufis said in the release. "A direct result of our 2020 hearings surrounding nursing home safety, this legislation will ensure these facilities are prepared when future infection threats arise and will empower families of our ill and elderly to make informed decisions about their care."