NY S09874

Requires every nursing home to permit designated essential caregivers access to residents during any period when regular visitation is restricted by federal, state, or local order, with implementation within 90 days of the law's effective date.

Allows residents (or their representatives if unable) to designate essential caregivers who provide assistance with daily activities, emotional support, or companionship, and to amend designations at any time.

Mandates nursing homes allow at least one essential caregiver to visit and assist residents every day at any time during visitation restrictions, while enforcing all safety protocols applicable to caregivers.

Establishes a written warning process before denying caregiver access for safety protocol violations, with facilities required to specify non-compliance issues and corrective measures within 24 hours of any access denial.

Creates a Department of Health appeal process requiring investigation of access denials within 48 hours, with authority to impose civil penalties up to $5,000 on facilities that violate requirements or fail to implement corrective action plans within seven days.