House Bill No. 5142 seeks to enhance the rights of residents in nursing homes and residential care homes regarding the use of technology for virtual visitation and monitoring. The bill introduces new definitions, replacing "nursing home facility" with the broader term "facility" to include both types of care homes. It establishes that residents have the right to choose their technology for virtual monitoring, with the understanding that they will bear the associated costs. Additionally, residents must obtain consent from roommates before using such technology in shared living spaces. The bill also mandates that facilities provide necessary infrastructure, such as internet access and power, at no cost to residents, while allowing for reimbursement under specific conditions.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of facilities, including providing conspicuous notices about the use of technology and ensuring compliance with privacy laws. It establishes penalties for facilities that interfere with residents' lawful use of technology, classifying such actions as Class B violations, with fines up to $10,000 for nursing homes and $3,000 for residential care homes. The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is tasked with creating standard forms for residents to notify facilities of their technology plans and obtain roommate consent. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, reinforcing residents' rights while ensuring their privacy and consent are respected.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
AGE Joint Favorable:
File No. 84: