A movement in several states is starting to take hold to allow the use of cameras inside nursing home patient’s rooms in an effort to ensure transparency about the type of care received. Encouraged by advocates and organizations against nursing home abuse, these cameras serve to record the activity that goes on inside a patient’s room that otherwise may go unnoticed, whether the conduct is positive or negative.
As the national population continues to age and those in Illinois and across the country place a greater demand on long term care facilities, issues related to their safety gain greater prominence in national debates with many wondering what more could be done. This week, Illinois took a step towards securing greater care for its nursing home residents when Governor Bruce Rauner signed a new law. The law will allow camera placement in nursing home rooms so that family members can monitor the care their loved ones receive.
There was significant public support for the bill, which becomes active on January 1, including among Attorney General Lisa Madigan who called for the bill’s enactment.
Not everyone was in favor of the new measure with some opponents raising privacy concerns over the cameras, particularly when in use in rooms with multiple residents. Detractors argued that many residents would not be capable of giving consent to the cameras’ placement and therefore family members may be acting without the patient’s preferences in mind. Others claimed that assent by one roommate would not be sufficient to guarantee assent by all.
In the end, both houses of Illinois congress passed the measure with certain safeguards in place. Though the law takes effect in January, officials note that it will be the responsibility of patients and/or their family members to pay for the cameras.
The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have experience representing the victims of nursing home abuse and neglect as well as their family members. Often, those who have been hurt do not know where to turn or how to get help after an incident of abuse, leading to questions and concerns that only those with experience can answer.
If you suspect that your loved one may have suffered while in the care of a nursing home in Illinois, make sure you do not let your suspicions go unaddressed. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today where you will get to speak with one of our licensed lawyers about your concerns and your loved one’s care. We will offer you a free case consultation without obligation when you call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and whichever number you use, know that we have a lawyer available 24 hours a day to take your call.
The entire team at Abels & Annes, P.C. believes that victims of abuse and neglect deserve better and that they deserve to be heard through the legal system. To make that possible, we represent them and their families for the injuries and damages they incurred which may include medical expenses and pain and suffering. If you have questions or if you need help, call us now and let us get to work for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Medication Errors involving Blood Thinners in Nursing Homes Lead to Hospitalizations, Deaths, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog, published August 10, 2015.
Resource:
New State Law Allows Cameras In Nursing Home Rooms, by Catherine Catalane, CBS Chicago, published August 22, 2015.