Maryland Bill Would Put Video Cameras in Nursing Homes

A Maryland lawmaker has re-introduced a bill that would require nursing homes to allow residents to install surveillance cameras in their rooms, the Washington Post reports. State Del. Sue Hecht first introduced the bill last year, but legislators determined that the issue "needed more study." The legislation, which would be the first of its kind in the nation if approved, comes as Maryland implements a package of nursing home measures the General Assembly approved last year. The package -- including $40 million to increase staffing numbers, boost the number of inspections, expand ombudsman programs and raise penalties for infractions -- was the Assembly's response to a 1999 GAO study that said Maryland, in particular, failed to meet assigned deadlines to investigate or track complaints of abuse or mistreatment in nursing homes. Intended as a way to prevent and document further abuse of nursing home residents, Hecht's "Grannycam" legislation would require residents who install the cameras to post signs notifying workers and visitors that the room is under surveillance. Residents also would have to obtain the written consent of their roommates before they install the cameras. Individuals tampering with camera equipment could be fined up to $2,000 or sentenced to 90 days in jail.

'Vigorous' Opposition Expected
The bill has prompted "vigorous" opposition from the nursing home industry, which maintains that surveillance cameras not only would violate residents' privacy, but also would contribute to recruiting difficulties in a "chronically understaffed" field. Mark Woodard, vice president of government relations for the Health Facilities Association of Maryland, said that the bill would "sen[d] a very negative message" to the nursing home employees. "We think ... [the bill] would make it even more difficult to hire and retain nursing staff in our facilities," he added. But Barbara Hengstebeck, executive director of the Florida-based Coalition to Protect America's Elders, said, "If the nursing home is not doing anything wrong, then they shouldn't have a problem with this." The House Environmental Matters Committee now is considering the bill (Davenport, Washington Post, 2/21). The text of Hecht's bill, HB 433, is available at http://mlis.state.md.us/2001rs/billfile/hb0433.htm.