Provides for the designation by a general hospital of persons to identify infectious disease processes, conduct surveillance and epidemiologic investigations, and develop plans to prevent and control the transmission of infectious agents within general hospitals.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8435
SPONSOR: Forrest TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the employment of
persons to function as infection preventionists in certain general
hospitals
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To require individuals employed as infection preventionists in hospitals
to be certified and undergo continuing education.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill creates a new Section 2831 in the Public Health-
Law to address infection preventionists. Subdivision 1 defines key
terms. Subdivisions 2 and 3 sets forth the certification requirements
for infection preventionists. Subdivisions 4 and 5 set forth the employ-
er requirements for infection preventionists. Subdivision 6 relates to
scope of practice. Finally, subdivision 7 states that regulations are to
be promulgated by the commissioner if necessary.
Section 2 is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Most infection preventionists ("IPs") are nurses, physicians, public
health professionals, epidemiologists, microbiologists, or medical tech-
nologists who are employed within healthcare institutions and also serve
as educators,researchers, consultants, and clinical scientists. The
majority are affiliated with acute care settings. An increasing number
practice in ambulatory and outpatient services where they direct
programs that protect patients and personnel from HAIs. Members are also
involved in long-term care, home health, and other practice settings
where infection prevention and control is an increasing area of respon-
sibility for nurses and other healthcare personnel.
IPs collect, analyze, and interpret health data in order to track
infection trends, plan appropriate interventions, measure success, and
report relevant data to public health agencies. They establish scientif-
ically based infection prevention practices and collaborate with the
healthcare team to assure implementation. Further, they work to prevent
healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in healthcare facilities by
isolating sources of infections and limiting their transmission. They
also educate healthcare personnel and the public about infectious
diseases and how to limit their spread. The legislation requires the
certification of persons who wish to practice infection preventionists.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S.4950 - Committed to Rules/A.5406 - Passed Assembly
2021-2022: S.4472-A - Reported and Committed to Finance/A.5668-A Passed
the Assembly
2019-2020: S.5186-B Amend and Recommit to Health/A.3705-B - Passed the
Assembly
2017-2018: S.8185-A Committed to Rules/A.10671-A - Amend and Recommit to
Health
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first January next succeeding the date
upon which it shall have become a law.
