Balancing Privacy & Protection: Surveillance Cameras in Nursing Home Residents’ Rooms
October 14, 2022 | Education, Resources
You and your family members might have considered installing a surveillance camera in your room to help determine that you are receiving appropriate care and being treated with dignity and respect, or to be a deterrent to abuse. Surveillance cameras can record video only, audio only, or both video and audio. While surveillance cameras and other devices can offer information about the type of care you are receiving and how you are being treated by nursing home staff, other residents, and visitors, they can be invasive and may violate your or your roommate’s right to privacy. They are also no substitute for personal involvement and monitoring.
Right to Dignity, Respect, and Privacy
Federal regulations give nursing home residents the right to be treated with dignity and respect. This includes while receiving care and during any interactions with nursing home staff, other
residents, and visitors. In addition to showing good care being provided, surveillance cameras may record incidents of poor care, neglect, aggression or abuse. Residents are also guaranteed the right to privacy.2 This right to privacy includes the right to privacy in your resident rooms, personal care, and in any communication during visits.3 A surveillance camera would be recording you and your roommate (if you have one) all the time when you are in your own room. It would be video recording you while you are receiving help getting dressed, during your visits
with family members and friends, and even recording when you may want to talk to your physician to discuss confidential health issues. Some surveillance cameras may even record audio, which may mean that your conversations may no longer be private.
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