We are in one of those states that recently passed a new law allowing “granny cams” in residents’ rooms. What can we do to improve our situation with these cameras?
You cannot ignore or disregard these new laws. They generally grant to every resident the right to install a granny cam. So there may not be much of a way to keep the number low.
Sometimes under the law you may be able to require that the resident pay for the camera and the cost of installation. There are also some other steps you may be able to take to improve your situation.
The right to install a granny cam is a trend under state laws that is expanding. You should hire an attorney to see who the new law covers (nursing homes, assisted living facilities, life care plan facilities or independent living units). The attorney who reviews the law should be able to determine if part or all of your facility is covered under the law.
Assuming you are covered by it, there are certain policies or procedures that you may impose on the residents or their families who wish to install a granny camera. For example, if there is another resident who shares the room, the granny camera will need to be restricted so its use does not violate the privacy rights of the second resident.
If the laws allow, you could create a policy that grants you the right to have access to and review any recordings upon your request. If the recordings show medical malpractice, abuse, neglect or theft of resident property by an employee or volunteer, you will have the right to terminate or discipline the person who has violated the resident.
Read my next column in next month’s issue to learn more about what nursing homes can do to protect themselves from granny cams.
