LANSING, MI — State Sen. Jim Runestad on Thursday again introduced legislation to better protect nursing home residents by allowing them to install video recording devices in their own rooms.
“The serious issues surrounding the safety of vulnerable seniors in the care of nursing homes in our state is not simply going to go away — easily forgotten by time and a pocket veto,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation is long overdue and should be returned to the governor’s desk. It’s time to ensure nursing home patients and their families have the freedom to use this important tool to better protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Senate Bill 412 is a reintroduction of SB 77 of 2019, which was left unsigned by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after being passed with bipartisan support by the Legislature, including unanimous approval in the Senate.
The legislation would permit care facility residents the option of installing a camera in their own room, with signed permission from roommates when applicable. Signage acknowledging a camera’s presence would be required where an electronic monitoring device was in use.
The original bill gained bipartisan support in the Legislature after an elderly nursing home resident was severely beaten by a 20-year-old man who was placed in the Westwood Nursing Center in Detroit under the governor’s COVID-19 executive orders. The attack that left the 75-year-old victim with a broken jaw, broken fingers and broken ribs was caught on video and shared through local media.
“The heartbreaking reality is that too often vulnerable seniors risk suffering in isolation and physical abuse because of bad actors who masquerade as caregivers or otherwise gain access to these facilities,” Runestad said. “Allowing residents to place cameras in their own rooms will act as a powerful deterrent to abuse, enable communication with loved ones and help deter future tragedies. It is imperative that we finally return this legislation to the governor’s desk for her signature.”
Runestad’s nursing home camera legislation is supported by leading advocates for seniors and long-term care patients.
“The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program strongly supports legislation that provides for cameras and communication devices to be used by nursing home residents. Residents should have the right to utilize these devices to connect with friends and family in the community, as well ensure appropriate and timely care is delivered to meet their needs. We commend Sen. Runestad for proposing legislation that supports quality of life and care for residents through the option to utilize these electronic devices,” said Michigan Long term Care Ombudsman Salli Pung.
AARP Michigan State Director Paula D. Cunningham said lawmakers have a duty to provide for the protection of nursing home residents.
“Ensuring the safety, health and dignity of nursing home residents should be a top priority for our state. By allowing the voluntary use of video cameras and communication devices in residents’ rooms — with their consent and that of their families — we can take a meaningful step toward safeguarding their well-being and protecting their property. These modern tools not only provide peace of mind by ensuring proper, timely, and secure care but also foster vital connections with loved ones and the community. AARP strongly urges the Michigan Legislature to pass this essential legislation to uphold the rights and safety of our most vulnerable citizens,” Cunningham said.
AMAC Action President Bob Carlstrom agreed, saying devices also help patients remain connected with their loved ones.
“When families entrust their loved ones to a nursing home or other care facility, there is an expectation that the care they receive will be in a safe and nurturing environment. Unfortunately, we’ve seen disturbing evidence of elderly abuse in some of these facilities. Voluntarily installing cameras and communication devices safeguards the well-being of vulnerable seniors, and the capability for them to use these devices to connect with relatives and friends outside of the care facility helps them to maintain important relationships while assisting them in remaining socially active,” Carlstrom said.
Runestad’s second attempt to pass his nursing home camera legislation, SB 717 of 2024, remained stuck in the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services. SB 412 was referred to the same panel for further consideration.