SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5181

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Health Care, February 6, 2017

Title: An act relating to notifying residents of long-term care facilities that they may install and conduct electronic monitoring in their rooms.

Brief Description: Notifying residents of long-term care facilities that they may install and conduct electronic monitoring in their rooms.

Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Walsh and Keiser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health Care: 1/26/17, 2/06/17 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the long-term care ombuds to notify long-term care facility residents that they may conduct electronic monitoring in their sleeping room.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Rivers, Chair; Becker, Vice Chair; Cleveland, Ranking Minority Member; Kuderer, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Conway, Keiser, Mullet, O'Ban and Walsh.

Staff: LeighBeth Merrick (786-7445)

Background: The long-term care ombuds must identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. The long-term care ombuds must also provide information as appropriate to residents, resident representatives, and others regarding the rights of residents.

Residents of long-term care facilities may request electronic monitoring of their sleeping room. In order to request electronic monitoring, the resident must not be violating the privacy of another, must have identified a threat to the resident's health, safety, or personal property, and have agreed upon a specific duration with the long-term care facility for electronic monitoring.

Summary of Bill: The long-term care ombuds must provide information to long-term care facility residents, resident representatives, and others regarding the rights of residents to install and conduct electronic monitoring in the sleeping room of the resident.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: Testimony from 2017 Regular Session. PRO: This addresses the abuse of people in long-term care facilities. This will help people find where the care of a resident has broken down. There must be an agreement to have the electronic monitoring equipment installed.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Barbara Bailey, Prime Sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.