N.Y. Public Health Law § 2997-i: Safe patient handling workgroup

§ 2997-i. Safe patient handling workgroup. 1. The commissioner shall

establish a safe patient handling workgroup (referred to in this section

as the "workgroup") within the department. The workgroup shall consist

of, at the minimum, the commissioner or his or her designee; the

commissioner of labor or his or her designee; representatives of health

care provider organizations; representatives from employee organizations

representing nurses and representatives from employee organizations

representing direct care workers; representatives of nurse executives;

representatives who are certified ergonomist evaluation specialists; and

representatives who have expertise in fields of discipline related to

health care or occupational safety.

2. Workgroup members shall receive no compensation for their services

as members of the workgroup, but shall be reimbursed for actual and

necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

3. The workgroup shall be established no later than January first, two

thousand fifteen.

4. The workgroup shall:

(a) Review existing safe patient handling programs or policies,

including demonstration programs previously authorized by chapter seven

hundred thirty-eight of the laws of two thousand five and national data

and results;

(b) Consult with any organization, educational institution, other

government entity or agency or person that the workgroup determines may

be able to provide information and expertise on the development and

implementation of safe patient handling programs;

(c) Identify or develop training materials for consideration by health

care facilities; and

(d) Submit a report to the commissioner by July first, two thousand

fifteen identifying safe patient handling program best practices,

providing examples of sample policies, and identifying resources and

tools useful for providers to meet the goals of safe patient handling

policies.

5. All state departments, commissions, agencies, and public

authorities shall provide the workgroup with any reasonably requested

assistance or advice in a timely manner.