This bill introduces regulations for electronic monitoring in nursing facilities in Iowa, allowing residents or their representatives to use electronic monitoring devices in their rooms with documented written consent. Key definitions are established, including terms like "electronic monitoring" and "resident representative." The bill outlines the consent process, particularly for shared rooms, requiring consent from roommates and mandating that monitoring devices be disabled when a new roommate moves in unless consent is obtained. Additionally, nursing facilities must post signs indicating the presence of monitoring devices and are prohibited from tampering with them.

The legislation also emphasizes the protection of residents' rights, ensuring that nursing facilities cannot refuse admission or retaliate against residents based on their monitoring decisions. It specifies that residents are responsible for the costs of installation and maintenance of the devices and outlines the nursing facility's obligations to facilitate these installations. Furthermore, the bill requires nursing facilities to report the number of consent forms received during recertification surveys and directs the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to create a standardized notification and consent form. Overall, the bill aims to balance residents' rights to monitor their living conditions with necessary privacy and consent protocols.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 135C.54