Nursing Home Surveillance Cameras Laws Continue Momentum

Nursing home surveillance cameras have been allowed in nearly a dozen states. With Florida having more nursing homes than most other states, and South Florida in particular being a hotspot for retirement, assisted living and nursing care are highly sought after in the state. This in turn has resulted in increased nursing home abuse and negligence cases, leaving loved ones and their families searching for answers and accountability in instances of negligence, abuse, rape, and even wrongful death in nursing care facilities.

One such potential solution is the installation of nursing home surveillance cameras in the rooms of nursing home residents. While installing such nursing home surveillance inevitably brings with it a variety of privacy issues, the overall benefit of the likelihood of reducing cases of negligence, abuse, rape, and even wrongful death in care facilities cannot and should not be understated or disregarded.

Currently, in a move that follows that of nearly a dozen other states in the country, it has been reported that the Ohio senate has passed a bill to allow nursing home surveillance cameras to be placed in the rooms of nursing home residents.¹ Unfortunately, Florida has not followed suit to date, even though legislation was initially proposed in 2017 to allow Florida nursing home video surveillance cameras. To learn more about the status of this Florida proposal, and for more information and updates, contact your state legislators and the Agency For Health Care Administration.

Agency for Health Care Administration
Bureau of Long Term Care Services
2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #33
Tallahassee, Fl 32308
Phone: 850-487-4303
Website: http://ahca.myflorida.com/MCHQ/Health_Facility_Regulation/Long_Term_Care/NH.shtml

These Are Important Signs To Watch For That May Indicate Your Loved One May Be Being Abused or Neglected:

Sleep problems/sleeplessness/nightmares

Exhaustion

Unusual Fatigue

Sudden malnutrition

Depression/Withdrawal/Paranoia

Complaints and anxiety about staff/Fear of staff members

Fear of taking food or medication from staff members

General fear

Anxiety

Repetitive physical actions

Hopelessness

Crying and extreme sadness

Fast breathing, shaking, rocking, tapping

Stating a desire to die

Sudden overall deterioration of health

Bedsores

Excessive muscle deterioration

Bruises

Bleeding

Burns

Restraint Marks

Broken Bones

Sprains/Strains

Cuts

Missing hair on scalp

Refusal to eat or drink and resultant weight loss

Bladder or kidney infection

Dehydration

It is important to note that physical and mental abuse often occurs simultaneously in Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence cases, and recognizing the signs is extremely important in stopping the abuse and/or negligence and seeking mental, physical, and legal help.

Has Your Loved One Been A Victim of Nursing Home Abuse or Negligence?

Meeting with an experienced Miami Florida Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence lawyer or legal team for an initial consultation is an important step. Research information about lawyers and legal teams who specialize in Miami & South Florida Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence, or if possible, who specialize in the particular type of Nursing Home Abuse or Negligence you or your loved one has endured, whether it be mental abuse, physical abuse, or both.

Many lawyers and legal teams offer free initial consultations. At Mallard & Sharp, P.A., we specialize in Miami Florida Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence cases. To schedule a free initial consultation with our expert legal team call 877.662.5527 or 305.461.4800.

St. Anne’s Nursing Home & Residence, Miami Jewish Home & Hospital For The Aged, Miami Jewish Health Systems, Coral Reef Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Victoria Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

¹ https://www.statenews.org/post/esthers-law-allowing-cameras-nursing-home-rooms-passes-ohio-senate