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.