House Passes Game-Changing Bill For Voluntary Cameras in Nursing Home Bedrooms

Legislation aimed at allowing residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to install cameras in their private rooms has gained traction in Arizona. Proposed by Prescott Republican Rep. Quang Nguyen, the bill seeks to prevent abuse in these settings.

The House has already passed Nguyen’s HB2785, facing only minor opposition, and it now awaits consideration in the Senate. Last year, a similar proposal struggled to gain traction, failing to receive a hearing in the Senate amid strong industry opposition.

This year’s version has been streamlined, focusing on prohibiting facility operators from:

• Denying current or potential residents the right to install electronic monitoring in their rooms.
• Evicting residents or refusing admission to those who request monitoring.
• Retaliating against those who consent or refuse monitoring.

Nguyen emphasized that the decision to install cameras should primarily lie with the residents themselves. In cases where residents cannot make that choice, family members would be empowered to decide.

A compromise was reached to target residents whose care is partly funded by public resources, limiting the camera installation rights. “You have to crawl before you can walk,” Nguyen stated, acknowledging the need for gradual progress.

Despite the bill’s popularity, some opposition remains. Lobbyist Mary Isaacson from Arizona LeadingAge expressed concerns about the impact of surveillance on residents’ dignity. She argued that installing cameras involves privacy issues related to personal care routines.

Nguyen countered, asserting that the right to monitor one’s living space should be comparable to renting an apartment. He highlighted that he is willing to cover the costs of cameras and internet access himself to ensure peace of mind for families.

Isaacson warned of potential drawbacks, suggesting that the presence of cameras might disrupt caregiver-resident relationships and affect comfort. She also noted that some caregivers might leave their jobs if they feel distrusted.

Addrressing these concerns, Nguyen maintained that transparency should be the expectation in caregiving environments. He pointed out the serious nature of abuse and emphasized that allowing cameras is a protective measure for vulnerable residents.

Support for the bill is bolstered by groups like AARP Arizona, where 87% of members favor the proposed rights for residents. However, one lawmaker, Rep. Ralph Heap, raised doubts about the effectiveness of cameras, questioning whether they would truly deter abuse.

The Senate has yet to schedule a hearing on the bill, leaving its future uncertain.