According to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Pennsylvania is home to 3.4 million older adults, the fifth highest total in the nation. A number of our older adults reside in skilled nursing facilities to obtain the care and assistance that they require.

To provide another tool for families of residents to monitor the care their loved ones receive, Esther’s Law was enacted in Ohio. This legislation permits nursing home residents and their authorized legal representatives to authorize the installation of an electronic monitoring device in the resident’s room. As all residents of long-term care facilities have a right to dignity, respect and privacy, the legislation requires the consent of anyone residing in the room before the monitoring device can be installed. The installation of a device is voluntary on the part of the resident and there are restrictions on who may access the recordings from such devices.

In an effort to provide this option for older adults in Pennsylvania, I will introduce a version of Esther’s Law.

Please consider joining me as a sponsor of this important legislation. 
 
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1538 (Apr 30, 2025): P.L.130, No.48