A bill in the Michigan Legislature that would allow nursing home residents to have electronic monitoring devices in their rooms is raising concerns among providers about privacy.
The bill is sponsored by state Sen. Jim Runestad (R) and was being considered by a state Senate committee as of press time. It would require nursing homes to allow residents — or their representatives — to install the device in their rooms for monitoring.
Bill proponents believe it would allow family members to ensure their loved one is getting high quality care. Opponents, however, believe the bill raises privacy concerns.
“The best way to ensure patient safety is to have good, well-trained, competent staff and adequate staffing levels,” Rich Farran, vice president of government services for the Health Care Association of Michigan, told local media.
The association opposes the proposed legislation. Farran argued that the bill violates residents’ right to privacy and could record them during the most personal moments. He added that it also could damage trust between staff members and residents.
