Iowa House Bill HF2470

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/24
• Refer: 2/12/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the requirements for authorized electronic monitoring in nursing facilities, and providing penalties.

Impact

The legislation aims to enhance resident safety and empowerment by permitting individuals to monitor their environments. It emphasizes the necessity of mutual consent between roommates, which aligns with current privacy standards and aims to prevent potential conflicts. In situations where a roommate does not consent to monitoring, the nursing facility must attempt to accommodate the resident wishing to conduct electronic monitoring, including potentially relocating them. This aspect of the bill looks to balance individual rights with shared living arrangements in nursing homes.

Summary

HF2470 introduces a comprehensive framework for authorized electronic monitoring within nursing facilities in Iowa. The bill allows residents or their representatives to utilize electronic devices to monitor their rooms, but it establishes strict guidelines regarding consent and privacy. Before implementing monitoring, the resident must obtain written consent, documented via a notification and consent form, from both themselves and, when applicable, their roommates. This ensures that all parties are informed and agree to the presence of monitoring devices.

Contention

Notably, HF2470 stipulates specific penalties for obstructing or tampering with electronic monitoring devices, framing such actions as serious misdemeanors. Additionally, there are clear protections against retaliation from nursing facilities toward residents who decide to implement electronic monitoring. The bill also voids any contractual provisions that would prevent residents from exercising their rights regarding monitoring—this highlights the importance of protecting resident autonomy in nursing facilities. Critics may raise concerns regarding the implications for privacy in shared rooms and the impact of such regulations on the operational considerations for nursing homes.