- Published: 12 March 2019
SPRINGFIELD – Families of individuals who reside in facilities that care for dementia patients would have the ability to install video and audio monitoring devices in their loved one’s room under a proposal sponsored by State Senator Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) that passed the Senate Public Health Committee this afternoon.
“Dementia patients are especially vulnerable to abuse at the hands of their caretakers,” Link said. “While we know most care staff treat their patients with dignity and respect, allowing video monitoring equipment will serve as a deterrent to misconduct and offer peace of mind to family members.”
Senate Bill 109 allows for electronic monitoring in patient rooms in a building or wing of a building solely dedicated to dementia care. Link’s proposal builds off a 2015 law he passed that allowed for video and audio monitoring equipment in facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities or in long-term care facilities.