ALBANY, N.Y. -- Governor Andrew Cuomo put nursing homes on alert -- Albany is coming.

"The State Department of Health and the attorney general are gonna be commencing an investigation to make sure all those policies are in place and being followed. If they're not being followed, they can be subjected to a fine or lose their license. It's that simple," said Cuomo, during his daily coronavirus briefing, Thursday.

Cuomo referenced patient transfers.

"If they can't care for the person in the facility, they have to transfer the person to another facility. The nursing home is responsible for providing appropriate care. If they cannot provide that care, then they have to transfer the patient to another facility," said Cuomo, adding that it works in reverse, too. "And they have to re-admit Covid residents, but only if they have the ability to provide the adequate level of care."

News of the investigation did not strike fear into the hearts of staff at Sitrin Healthcare, in New Hartford.

"This is something that nursing homes are very familiar with," said Vice President for Foundation & Communications, Rosemary Bonacci. "If you're in compliance, then whoever is involved and whoever is doing this investigation or inspection, you're accustomed to what they're gonna be looking for and what they're gonna be asking."

If violations are found, the Department of Health will immediately require facilities to submit an action plan. Facilities could be fined up to $10,000 per violation or potentially lose their operating license.