The Rhode Island Senate has voted to approve legislation sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Dawn Euer that would allow nursing home residents to have cameras installed in their rooms.
The bill (2024-S 2263) would allow for electronic monitoring of residents’ rooms in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, provided all residents of the room consent in writing. The consent can be withdrawn at any time, and a variety of safeguards exist for protect resident privacy.
“For residents and their loved ones who desire it, in-room cameras can provide a means of contact, oversight and protection,” said Senator Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown). “This does not impose an additional cost on the nursing home, as the devices would be paid for by the resident or their family and it would not constitute an invasion of privacy, as cameras would only be installed at the request of the resident and with the consent of any and all roommates. Rather, this bill will provide an additional tool to preserve continuity of care for residents and families who opt in.”
“Residents with dementia and communication difficulties are especially vulnerable in care facilities, as they are not able to advocate effectively for themselves, and when they do complain of mistreatment, their complaints are frequently dismissed,” said Kathleen Gerard, director of Advocates for Better Care in Rhode Island. “A camera can provide peace of mind, ensure quality care and exonerate staff who are falsely accused, but not everyone would want one for themselves. We just want residents and their legal representatives to have the right to make this choice for themselves.”
The bill now heads to the House for consideration where Rep. Jason Knight (D-Dist. 67, Barrington, Warren) has introduced companion legislation (2024-H 7969).
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
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