Idaho caregivers oppose legislation mandating cameras in assisted living facilities

The Senate Health & Welfare Committee of Idaho convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss a proposed bill concerning the use of recording devices in long-term care facilities. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and facility administrators, who expressed significant concerns regarding the implications of the bill.

The primary focus of the discussion centered around the potential negative impacts of the bill on residents' dignity and the operational challenges it could create for care facilities. Several speakers, including Cody Bennett from Grace Assisted Living, highlighted that the bill lacks clear guidelines for notifying facilities about the installation of recording devices. This absence of requirements could lead to violations of residents' rights and create an environment of mistrust between staff and families.

Monica Heath, Executive Regional Nurse for Grace Assisted Living, emphasized that the bill could compromise the dignity of residents during personal care procedures. She argued that maintaining privacy while ensuring adequate care would be nearly impossible, raising concerns about the feasibility of the bill's provisions. Heath also pointed out that the presence of cameras might deter potential staff from working in such environments, exacerbating the existing healthcare staffing shortages.

Robert Vandermeer, Executive Director of the Idaho Healthcare Association, echoed these sentiments, stressing that caregivers already operate under intense scrutiny. He noted that the bill could lead to increased accusations against staff, resulting in unnecessary legal complications and stress for both employees and residents. Vandermeer suggested that while the bill aims to enhance safety, it could inadvertently create a hostile work environment.

Colter Camo, a licensed administrator at Grace Assisted Living, further criticized the bill, arguing that it undermines the ability of facilities to manage their operations effectively. He expressed concern that the requirement for families to install cameras could lead to hidden surveillance, which would complicate care and potentially violate residents' privacy.

In response to the concerns raised, Representative Healy, who sponsored the bill, defended its intent by stating that it aims to protect vulnerable adults in care facilities. She argued that the bill would empower families to monitor the care of their loved ones, although she acknowledged that it would not force facilities to adopt camera policies against their will.

The committee concluded the meeting without a definitive resolution, leaving the future of the bill uncertain. Stakeholders expressed a desire for further discussions to address the complexities surrounding the use of recording devices in long-term care settings, balancing the need for oversight with the rights and dignity of residents.