Bill > SB154

This bill amends Ohio law to provide clearer guidelines for electronic monitoring in long-term care facilities, focusing on residents' rights to install surveillance devices in their rooms. The legislation introduces the concept of a "designated sponsor" to replace references to guardians and defines an "electronic monitoring device" as a surveillance instrument with a fixed video camera or audio recording device. Residents, their designated sponsors, or attorneys in fact can now authorize the installation of monitoring devices in their rooms, with some important conditions: if the resident shares a room, the roommate or their designated sponsor must consent, and the facility must attempt to accommodate monitoring by potentially relocating residents. The bill allows facilities to charge a modest fee of up to $50 for device installation and up to $2 per month for internet connection. The legislation also explicitly prohibits long-term care facilities from denying admission, discharging, or retaliating against residents who choose to use electronic monitoring. Additionally, the bill establishes strict privacy protections, limiting who can view or listen to recordings and making it illegal for unauthorized individuals to obstruct or tamper with monitoring devices. These changes aim to enhance transparency, resident safety, and autonomy in long-term care settings while respecting privacy concerns.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb154