NY A11114

Establishes an infection control competency audit and checklist that the Department of Health must conduct on nursing homes, residential health care facilities, and long-term care facilities beginning October 1, 2020.

Facilities must meet a minimum of 80 percent of audit criteria to pass; scoring at 85 percent or higher results in "in adherence" status, 60-84 percent results in "in adherence but warrants reinspection," and below 60 percent results in "not in adherence."

Facilities scored "not in adherence" receive a 14-day grace period on first violation to meet 80 percent criteria before license revocation or suspension; re-audits occur every two weeks until compliance is achieved.

Audit checklist includes core competency standards covering infection control programs, personal protective equipment supplies and training, staffing plans to limit transmission, clinical care protocols with symptom screening and vital sign monitoring, daily communication plans with staff and families, and reporting procedures to health authorities.

Requires facilities to designate an infection control lead, maintain isolation areas for infectious residents, implement dedicated staffing teams during outbreaks, ensure access to hand hygiene supplies and hospital disinfectants, and screen all individuals entering the facility for infectious disease symptoms during outbreak periods.