Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan recently announced a proposal to enact legislation allowing residents’ rooms in nursing homes to be monitored through video or audio electronic recording devices. Attorney General Madigan stated that Illinois nursing homes need “additional safety measures” as the number of citizens requiring long-term care continues to grow. Madigan said that giving nursing home residents and their families the option to monitor residents’ rooms would provide “peace of mind” to the residents and their families. State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) reportedly will sponsor the legislation.¹
Madigan’s proposal requires that both the resident and the resident’s roommate consent to the video or audio monitoring. The resident and his/her representatives will be responsible for buying, installing, and maintaining the recording equipment. According to the Attorney General’s office, five other states currently allow electronic monitoring of resident rooms in nursing homes. Madigan also proposed that the legislation should impose criminal penalties on any person or entity that tampers with the recording devices.
The press release for the proposed legislation can be found at the Attorney General’s website at http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2014_09/20140908.html.
¹ Laster, Kerry, “AG’s proposal would allow cameras at Illinois nursing homes,” The State Journal-Register, September 8, 2014.