Governor Mary Fallin has signed a bill allowing families of Oklahoma nursing home residents to install surveillance cameras and microphones in private rooms. The measure, which was unanimously passed by both the House and Senate and is set to go into effect on November 1, 2013, was proposed in an effort to curb abuse and …
Governor Mary Fallin has signed a bill allowing families of Oklahoma nursing home residents to install surveillance cameras and microphones in private rooms. The measure, which was unanimously passed by both the House and Senate and is set to go into effect on November 1, 2013, was proposed in an effort to curb abuse and neglect in Oklahoma nursing homes. If you believe your loved one has been the victim of Oklahoma nursing home abuse, contact our reputable attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center for legal help. You may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the nursing home facility or its staff members, in order to seek fair and timely reimbursement for your loved one’s injuries and medical expenses.
Understanding New Nursing Home Surveillance Bill
Senate Bill 587, also known as the “Protect Our Loved Ones Act,” comes amid serious concerns about abuse and neglect in nursing homes throughout Oklahoma and across the United States, and will allow for real-time monitoring of nursing home residents 24 hours a day with cell phones and other devices. Not only will the legislation allow families to monitor their loved ones in Oklahoma nursing homes, but the bill will also prohibit nursing home facilities from tampering with the devices or refusing to accept residents who wish to be monitored. In addition, any recording will be considered as evidence in a criminal or civil court case.
Measure Will Give Families Peace of Mind
Although the nursing home surveillance measure faced resistance from some early on because of privacy concerns, changes to the bill alleviated many of those issues, said Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha. “This measure will give families peace of mind being able to monitor their loved ones and know what’s happening in their rooms at all times,” Justice said. “The bill should also help decrease the number of reported cases of suspected abuse and neglect by providing video and audio evidence to support or refute such claims. Therefore, empowering residents and their families and holding nursing facilities more accountable for their staff.”
Consult Our Experienced Attorneys for Legal Help
“Even with safety measures in place, nursing home residents are vulnerable to abuse because they are not always able to defend themselves nor speak out when abuse occurs,” said Rep. Wright, R-Weatherford. With this new legislation, Oklahoma lawmakers hope to further protect the safety and well-being of the state’s nursing home residents. If your loved one has shown signs of abuse or neglect while residing in an Oklahoma nursing home, consult our knowledgeable lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center today. Your loved one may be entitled to financial compensation for his or her injuries and medical bills, which you can pursue by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the allegedly negligent nursing home facility.