Despite over 400 nursing homes violating New York’s staffing law, none have faced penalties since the mandate took effect 18 months ago.
State officials said enforcement of staffing minimums has been delayed due to ongoing debates over penalties. Families have expressed frustration as staffing shortages worsened during and after the pandemic. The 2021 law, initially championed by lawmakers and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, aimed to protect vulnerable residents.
The law requires nursing homes to provide 3.5 hours of care per resident daily and spend at least 70% of revenue on direct care. Fines up to $2,000 per day can be imposed for non-compliance. However, the enforcement process is still pending, with state health officials assessing violations and possible penalties.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].