Illinois Bill to Allow Monitoring in Nursing Homes Now Law

Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s proposal to help ensure the safety and well-being of nursing home residents has been signed into law in Illinois. House Bill 2462, sponsored by Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) and Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan), was passed by the General Assembly with overwhelming support and allows residents and their families to place video or audio monitoring devices in resident rooms. “Deciding to place a loved one into a nursing facility is extremely difficult, and as Baby Boomers age, more families will be faced with that decision,” said Madigan. “This law makes Illinois one of the first states in the nation to give families peace of mind by allowing them to monitor their loved one’s care when they cannot be present.” This legislation stemmed from complaints Madigan’s office received from nursing home residents and families who are concerned for their relatives’ care and security. The new law allows residents of nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities or their family members to purchase and install video or audio monitoring devices in their rooms.

Source/more: Alton (IL) Telegraph

David Wingate is an elder law attorney who practices in Frederick and Montgomery Counties, Maryland. The elder law practice consists of wills, trusts, powers of attorneys, asset protection, and Medicaid planning.