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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Amy
Figard |
State Rep. Ronald G.
Waters |
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Waters bill would require electronic monitoring in nursing homes
HARRISBURG, April 23 -- State Rep. Ronald G. Waters, D-Phila./Delaware, is proud to announce he will reintroduce legislation to allow video surveillance in nursing homes. Formerly introduced as H.B. 1297 of 2001, this legislation would serve to protect residents living in the nursing home environment.
“By allowing families the opportunity to use cameras to monitor the care of loved ones, we can improve and assure the quality of life for those who reside in nursing homes,” Waters said.
Known as the Electronic Monitoring in Nursing Homes Act, this bill would allow video surveillance in nursing homes by requiring those facilities to make accommodations for electronic monitoring and inform nursing home residents of their right to such.
A nursing home may also request a resident to conduct electronic monitoring within plain view.
In addition, a nursing home resident who wishes to install an electronic monitoring device could be required by the nursing home administrator to make the request in writing. Such videotape would be admissible as evidence in court.
“I’ve seen too many cases of abuse, neglect and preventable deaths in nursing home facilities throughout our state and nation. It’s time we make these care places, and their employees, more accountable for their actions.”
Under the bill, violation of this act by an administrator who operates a nursing home, or by anyone who hampers, obstructs, tampers with or destroys an electronic monitoring device or tape, would be considered a third-degree misdemeanor.
Convicted violators would pay a maximum fine of $2,500 or could receive up to a year in prison, or both.
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