Louisiana Governor Signs HB 281, "Virtual Visitation" bill

AARP Louisiana and AARP Foundation welcome the enactment of the “Visual Visitation” Act, which gives nursing facility residents and their family members the option to install a video monitoring device in the resident’s room, allowing family caregivers to remain connected and be a part of their loved one’s care team.

“This is a major milestone for family caregivers who want to remain virtually connected to their loved ones. We want to thank Governor John Bel Edwards, New Orleans City Councilwoman Helena Moreno, Rep. Kirk Talbot, and the legislators who supported this bill,” said AARP Louisiana Advocacy Director, Andrew Muhl.

Many Louisianans who have loved ones in nursing facilities want to be involved in their lives and help coordinate care. This story of one such person, 92-year old Ann Graff, is part of why this bill was enacted. Lucie Titus, Ann Graff’s daughter, had sought to install her own video camera in her mother’s room at a nursing facility after she found her mother in her bed with black eye and excruciating back pain. Due to her disabilities, her mother could not explain how she sustained the injuries. AARP Foundation and Advocacy Center of Louisiana filed a civil rights lawsuit on their behalf seeking permission to install their own video camera, but Mrs. Graff passed away while the lawsuit was pending. Lucie Titus later testified about her mother’s story before the Louisiana legislature.

“My mother was very dedicated to serving others,” said Lucie Titus. “While it is a bittersweet for me and my family, my mother would be very proud that her story could help other nursing facility residents and their families.”

Added AARP Foundation Senior Attorney Maame Gyamfi, “People who live in nursing facilities can feel isolated and vulnerable, especially if they have disabilities that impair their ability to communicate about their needs. This law provides the tools to help nursing facility residents stay connected with their loved ones who, in turn, can better learn about their needs.”