Bill > H4646

This bill establishes the "Nursing Home Virtual Visitation Act," which allows nursing home residents to install monitoring devices in their rooms under specific conditions. The legislation defines a monitoring device as an electronic surveillance instrument that transmits and records activity, excluding still image cameras, and provides a comprehensive framework for its installation and use. Residents or their legal representatives can authorize a monitoring device if they give notice to the nursing home, ensure the device records date and time, pay for all associated costs, and obtain consent from roommates. The bill requires nursing homes to notify residents about this option upon admission and maintain records of device authorization. If roommate consent cannot be obtained, the nursing home must attempt to accommodate the resident by offering alternative room arrangements. The legislation mandates that monitoring devices be stationary, positioned to only monitor the consenting resident, and comply with fire safety regulations. The bill also protects nursing homes from liability when monitoring devices are installed according to the specified guidelines and requires conspicuous signage alerting visitors to the potential presence of monitoring devices. Additionally, the bill mandates that any observed incidents of abuse or neglect captured on these devices must be reported to the nursing home, with the recording provided for review. Importantly, nursing homes cannot discriminate against or retaliate against residents who choose to install monitoring devices, and the law takes effect upon the governor's approval.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4646&session=126&summary=B