Electronic Monitoring

Call Newspaper reported that Missouri will now allow cameras in nursing homes. Electronic monitoring is needed. Dozens of states allow cameras. Missouri joins its neighbors Illinois and Oklahoma permitting electronic monitoring in nursing homes. I hope other states soon pass similar laws.

The Missouri law is named the “Authorized Electronic Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities Act.” The law allows families to place cameras in rooms for the safety and well-being of the residents. However, if a family installs a camera, a conspicuous sign must warn staff.  It will also prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer funds. 

Surprisingly, the legislation allowing cameras passed with bipartisan support.  “Granny cams” or other video recording devices help protect the health, safety, and well-being of the residents. Surveillance deters neglect and abuse. 

“The Nursing Home Association was against it, so we spent last summer negotiating with attorneys and lobbyists and looking at a Texas law that was better,” said representative Murphy. “We worked out a compromise where the (video) feed is jointly owned between the nursing home and family, and can’t be released without permission of the other party” except in instances of recorded abuse or neglect.

“With COVID, now people can actually communicate with their loved ones,” said Murphy. “That benefit came clear almost instantaneously.”

Families will have more contact and supervision. Technology will help families protect their loved ones. Cameras and electric monitoring are important for the future of long term care. I hope South Carolina passes a law specifically approving electric monitoring.