SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s legislation to allow authorized electronic monitoring in assisted living and shared housing facilities was signed into law Friday.
“People in assisted living and shared housing deserve safety, dignity and the ability to make informed choices about their own care,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “When someone’s daily care is placed in the hands of others, residents and their families deserve peace of mind. This law gives residents another tool to protect themselves, document concerns and help ensure these facilities are free from abuse and neglect.”
House Bill 4517 allows residents in assisted living and shared housing facilities to use authorized electronic monitoring devices in their rooms. Under the law, an electronic monitoring device may include a fixed-position video camera or audio recording device installed in a resident’s room to record or broadcast activity or sounds occurring in that space.
Electronic monitoring can help residents and families identify, prevent and respond to abuse, neglect or mistreatment, whether from staff or others. The law is especially important for residents who may have difficulty reporting concerns on their own or whose families are seeking additional assurance about their care.
The measure also maintains important privacy protections for residents. Roommate consent is required, and residents living in the room may request that the device be turned off at any time.
“Safety and privacy should not be treated as competing values,” Guzmán said. “This law respects resident rights while making sure families have another way to keep their loved ones safe.”
House Bill 4517 has been signed into law and takes effect immediately.
