Bill > HB1409

This bill establishes legal protections and procedures for electronic monitoring in medical care facilities, such as nursing homes and Alzheimer's care units. The legislation allows residents or their legal representatives to install electronic monitoring devices (like video cameras or audio recording devices) in a resident's room, with several important conditions. These conditions include obtaining written consent from all roommates, posting a notice on the room's door indicating monitoring is occurring, ensuring the monitoring is voluntary and funded by the resident, and protecting the privacy of other residents and visitors. Medical care facilities are required to accommodate these monitoring requests, cannot refuse admission or remove a resident based on a monitoring request, and must provide a secure mounting location and power source for the device. The bill also specifies that recordings made through such electronic monitoring can be admissible in civil or criminal court proceedings, creating an exception to existing laws that prohibit intercepting electronic communications. The goal is to promote transparency, safety, and accountability in medical care facilities while respecting the rights of residents and their families. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1409?ys=2025RS