NY S09029

Department of Health must establish and implement an infection control competency audit with a checklist for nursing homes, residential care facilities, and long-term care facilities, effective October 1, 2020.

Facilities must meet a minimum of 80% of audit criteria to pass; scoring ranges from "in adherence" (85%+), "in adherence but warrants reinspection" (60-84%), to "not in adherence" (below 60%).

Facilities scored "not in adherence" receive a 14-day grace period on first violation to meet 80% criteria, then face audits every two weeks until compliance is achieved; repeated violations may result in license suspension or revocation.

Audit checklist must cover infection control programs, personal protective equipment supply and training, staffing plans, clinical care protocols, staff and resident communication, and reporting procedures for disease outbreaks.

Facilities must maintain infection control leadership, isolation areas for infected residents, dedicated staffing teams, adequate hand hygiene and disinfectant supplies, and twice-daily symptom and vital sign monitoring during outbreaks.