Virginia Senate Bill SB661

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/24
• Refer: 1/15/24

Caption

Nursing facilities; electronic monitoring in resident rooms.

Impact

The bill significantly modifies state regulations by mandating that electronic monitoring can only happen with the explicit informed consent of a resident or their legal representative. It stipulates that consent must be documented in the resident's medical record, alongside other requirements such as the need for private rooms without roommates for installation. The implementation of such monitoring practices is expected to lead to increased safety and transparency within nursing facilities, allowing families and residents to feel more secure about their care.

Summary

SB661 addresses the implementation of electronic monitoring within nursing facilities in Virginia, aiming to enhance the safety and well-being of residents. The bill establishes guidelines around the use of video and audio monitoring devices in the rooms of nursing home residents, including specification of who may authorize such monitoring, namely the resident or their legal representative. The overarching intent is to empower residents and ensure their protection, while also regulating the conditions under which monitoring can occur to prevent any violations of privacy.

Contention

Despite the bill's protective intentions, it presents points of contention concerning privacy rights and the potential for misuse of monitoring equipment. Critics may argue that increasing surveillance could infringe on the personal privacy of residents, even with consent protocols in place. Additionally, the responsibility of costs associated with the installation and maintenance of such devices, which may fall on the resident or their representative, raises concerns about financial burden. The bill also necessitates nursing facilities to adopt policies to avoid covert monitoring and to ensure staff are educated on these regulations.