N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 18, § 519.18
(d) The appellant has the burden of:
(2) proving any mitigating factors affecting the severity of any sanction imposed.
Where the determination is based upon an alleged failure of the provider to comply with generally accepted business, accounting, professional or medical practices or standards of health care, the department must establish the existence of such practice or standard.