Requires nursing homes to designate dedicated storage spaces for the storage of the bodies of deceased persons; requires nursing homes to develop and submit plans to the department of health for the designation of such dedicated storage spaces; establishes requirements for such storage spaces.
Summary
Bill A01365 mandates that nursing homes in New York develop and submit plans for dedicated storage spaces for deceased persons' bodies during disaster emergencies. The bill defines 'excess mortality' and requires nursing homes to designate a location for temporary on-site storage, ensuring that the bodies are handled safely and sanitary. The plans must include specifications for the storage space, including size, refrigeration, and isolation from public view, as well as record-keeping requirements for the storage and transfer of bodies.
Impact
This legislation impacts the public health law by introducing new requirements for nursing homes regarding the handling of deceased residents during emergencies. It establishes standards for the storage of bodies, which could lead to increased operational costs for nursing homes, as they may need to construct new facilities or contract for mobile storage solutions. The bill aims to ensure that nursing homes are prepared for potential crises that lead to increased mortality rates, thereby enhancing public health safety.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A01365 appears to be generally favorable, as evidenced by the unanimous support in the Assembly Health Committee and a majority in both the Assembly and Senate floor votes. However, the significant number of dissenting votes in the final Assembly and Senate votes indicates some concerns among legislators, possibly regarding the implications for nursing home operations and funding.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the potential financial burden on nursing homes to comply with the new storage requirements and the adequacy of existing facilities to meet these standards. Some legislators expressed concerns about the practicality of implementing such measures, particularly in smaller or underfunded nursing homes, while others emphasized the importance of ensuring dignity and safety in the handling of deceased residents.
Same As
Requires nursing homes to designate dedicated storage spaces for the storage of the bodies of deceased persons; requires nursing homes to develop and submit plans to the department of health for the designation of such dedicated storage spaces; establishes requirements for such storage spaces.
Requires nursing homes to designate dedicated storage spaces for the storage of the bodies of deceased persons; requires nursing homes to develop and submit plans to the department of health for the designation of such dedicated storage spaces; establishes requirements for such storage spaces.
Requires nursing homes to designate dedicated storage spaces for the storage of the bodies of deceased persons; requires nursing homes to develop and submit plans to the department of health for the designation of such dedicated storage spaces; establishes requirements for such storage spaces.