The proposed bill introduces regulations for electronic monitoring in nursing facilities, defining key terms such as "electronic monitoring" and "electronic monitoring device." It allows residents or their representatives to conduct monitoring in their rooms with documented written consent, which must include details about the device, conditions of use, and the rights of both the resident and any roommates. If a resident shares a room, consent from the roommate is also required, and the bill outlines the procedures for obtaining and documenting this consent. Additionally, it emphasizes that residents are responsible for the costs associated with the installation and maintenance of these devices and prohibits tampering with them.

The legislation also includes protections for residents, ensuring that nursing facilities cannot discriminate or retaliate against them based on their decisions regarding electronic monitoring. It mandates that nursing facilities report the number of notification and consent forms received during recertification surveys and directs the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to create and make available the necessary forms on its website. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safety and autonomy of residents while balancing the privacy rights of all individuals involved, potentially being codified as a new subchapter of chapter 135C titled "Electronic Monitoring."

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 135C.54