HB 281 to allow family members "virtual visitation" with loved ones

In 

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Louisiana, an estimated 660,000 family caregivers provide care and support for loved ones. House Bill 281 will give nursing home residents and their family members the ability to install a monitoring device in the resident’s room, allowing family members to be a part of their loved one’s care team.

HB 281:

• Provides residents and families the option to install a monitoring device.
• Provides that the nursing home resident or the resident’s family member bears the cost of the camera.
• Provides visual information when a nursing home resident — especially those who are unable to tell their story — is found with unexplained injury.
• Ensures that the roommate of the resident with a camera has consented to the device installation.
• Provides assurance to residents’ family members that their loved one is receiving proper and appropriate care.
• Allows for video evidence that can exonerate nursing facility staff when injuries occur due to an accident or are the fault of the resident.

HB 281 does not:

• Require a resident to have a monitoring device.
• Require a resident to share a room with someone who has a monitoring device.
• Violate HIPAA, because the nursing home resident will only have the monitoring device if they want to have it, and that resident’s roommate must agree to allow the camera in the room.
• Allow videos from the monitoring device to be broadcast over the internet for general viewing.
• Result in additional cost to the nursing facility. All costs will be paid for by the nursing facility resident or the resident’s family.

Protect seniors and persons with disabilities. Urge your senator to Vote Yes on HB 281!

For more information, contact Andrew Muhl at amuhl@aarp.org or 225-276-1941.