Florida lawmakers could open door for ‘granny cams’ in nursing homes

A House panel backed a plan that would mandate that nursing homes and assisted living facilities allow video cameras and other electronic monitoring equipment in patients’ rooms, amid discussions about privacy and safeguarding vulnerable elders. Family members and other representatives of residents are already permitted to place what are commonly referred to as “granny cams” in their rooms in certain assisted living and nursing homes. However, proponents claimed that the law (HB 223), which was introduced by Rep. Susan Plasencia, R-Orlando, would assist safeguard the elderly, including those suffering from diseases like Alzheimer’s. Before the House Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee endorsed the bill, Rep. Chase Tramont, R-Port Orange, stated, “This is a bill protecting the most vulnerable, some of the most vulnerable in our society.”

However, organizations representing assisted living and nursing institutions opposed the plan. According to Jen Lawrence, who spoke on behalf of the Florida Health Care Association, an organization that advocates for the nursing home sector, patients have private talks in their rooms and get assistance with personal care tasks like changing clothes and incontinence. Lawrence, Aston Health’s chief nursing officer, told MPs, “It is the privacy and the dignity.” “These are the bedrooms of patients.” Although there are some restrictions, the measure would mandate that video cameras or audio recording devices be permitted in rooms. Lawmakers, for instance, posed a number of queries on circumstances in which patients of nursing homes share rooms. Under the measure, a resident’s roommate or their agent would need to consent to the installation of a monitoring device and could withdraw that approval at any time. Additionally, the roommate could impose restrictions on how the devices are used.

The law would limit who might see or hear audio or video from rooms in an effort to protect privacy. Residents, their representatives, such as guardians or health care surrogates, law enforcement officials, and other individuals designated by residents or their representatives would be among these individuals. The bill would prohibit posting audio or video online. According to a House staff research, 17 states have legislation allowing the use of electronic monitoring devices in assisted-living facilities, while 19 states have rules allowing the use of such devices in nursing care rooms. According to supporters, the gadgets can shield inmates from mistreatment and other dangers. “If you watch the news these days, you’ll notice that many problems are occurring that are captured on camera but would not otherwise be seen. And there are terrible incidents involving elderly people who are unable to care for themselves. Even if they could explain what happened, people wouldn’t believe them because they may have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, which makes it hard for people to believe what they’re saying, Plasencia said.

“Therefore, it is important for me to speak on their behalf.” Many members of the Florida Assisted Living Association already have policies that permit monitoring devices, according to Bijou Ikli, the organization’s chief executive officer. However, other institutions forbid the devices due to worries about things like who would get the video footage and what would happen to it. “We think it should be up to the assisted living facility to allow these devices,” Ikli stated. “Leave it up to the market. To help them choose the assisted living facility that best suits their needs, prospective residents should be made aware of the institutions’ positions on electronic monitoring equipment. Additionally, they have the option to live in an ALF that permits cameras in resident rooms if they so desire. Additionally, they have the option to live in an ALF that permits cameras in resident rooms if they so desire. Additionally, if they don’t mind, they can opt to be at a place that doesn’t permit cameras. The bill has been submitted for the upcoming legislative session, which begins on March 4. The Senate version of the measure (SB 64) has been filed by Senator Ileana Garcia, a Republican from Miami.