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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.