12/06/21

NYS Public Employers Required to Have Written Plan of Operations for Public Health Emergencies Including COVID-19

New York State Labor Law §27-c [“Emergency Preparedness Law”] requires public employers to adopt a written plan for operations in the event of a declared public health emergency involving a communicable disease, including COVID-19. The written plans were to be adopted by April 1, 2021.

The Emergency Preparedness Law considers public employers to mean the State of New York, counties, cities, towns, villages, public authorities, commissions and public benefit corporations.  Although the definition of public employer excludes school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, these educational entities are required to adopt plans consistent with Labor Law §27-c pursuant to subsection (2)(m) of Educational Law §2801-a.

The NY HERO website was updated to include information related to the Emergency Preparedness Law. Click here to view the template for state agencies and authorities, template for local jurisdictions and a checklist for completion of the continuity of operations plan.

Keep checking the NY HERO website for additional updates.

Feel free to contact our Employee Benefits team with any questions.