Iowa to Allow Granny Cams

Iowa’s state legislatures have recently advanced a bill that will allow residents and their families to install cameras inside nursing home rooms. For many years, long-term care sector leaders have stood firmly in their decision against any such law, citing frivolous privacy concerns. The installation of these cameras can prevent elder abuse from happening, as well as provide families with peace of mind and security so they can see that their loved one is being adequately cared for. After widespread support from patient advocates, experts, and policymaker, there has been a shift across state laws.

Texas became the first state to legalize and require nursing homes to provide residents with information about “granny cams” in 2001. Following Texas, 15 more states have passed laws allowing private cameras in rooms. These 16 facilities represent a diverse cross section from rural and conservative states to urban and liberal strong holding states. 

This new bill would address privacy concerns by requiring written consent from a resident or a family member who acts on their behalf and any roommates. Nursing homes would also be required to put up notices at entrances and in any rooms with cameras installed. Residents and their roommates would also be informed of their right to withdraw consent from this form of monitoring at any time. The bill also states that the nursing home must “make a reasonable attempt” to accommodate a resident who wants a camera, but their roommate does not. This could include offering the resident or roommates another available room, alone or shared.

Previously, IHCA and nonprofit association LeadingAge Iowa have opposed room monitoring legislation, but recently, Brent Willet, president and CEO of the Iowa Health Care Association, said that IHCA is currently “neutral” on the bill and is willing to work with policymakers.