New legislation recommend by the Oklahoma Silver-Haired Legislature could make it mandatory to put cameras in the hallways and public areas of nursing homes, as well as in residents' private rooms. There is no doubt that residents of long-term care facilities are among the most vulderable Oklahomans. Many crimes, ranging from theft to abuse and even rape, go unpunished because they occur to nursing home residents who are either unable or too afraid to speak out. Many injuries in nursing homes go unexplained. Several heart-felt stories were told as the Silver Haired Legislature debated this bill while in session last week.
There is no mention in the bill on who will have to pay for the mandatory camera equipment of the cost of monitoring the video feeds. The bill also failed to mention how residents can opt out of the monitoring should they choose to not want a camera in their room.
The bill was not one of the original bills passed by the SHL House, but it was passed by the Senate, keeping it alive for the joint session. In the end the bill was the highest ranked by the OSHL.
Four other bills made the cut. One would require long-term care facilities to provide electricity. Another called for pharmacies to clearly mark the purpose or diagnosis for each prescription filled.
The OSHL meets every year in September to discuss and recommend bills that are important to older Oklahomans.
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