Various studies have found that at least ten percent of people aged 65 and older suffer some type of abuse. Many of these individuals live in nursing homes. If you are concerned about your loved one’s safety in a nursing home, you might be considering installing a video camera in their nursing home room.
Nevada has a specific law on the matter, known as Henry’s Law. This law was named after nursing home patient Henry Owens, who passed away after being left with untreated urinary tract infections and other injuries associated with lack of care.
This law allows a person to install a recording device in a nursing home patient’s care if they meet certain requirements. Here is what you should know about this important legal concept.
Reasons to Consider Installing a Video Camera in Your Loved One’s Nursing Home Room
Some loved ones choose to install a recording device to monitor caretakers. Like a “nanny cam” used to monitor a young child’s caretaker, a so-called “granny cam” may record interactions between a nursing home patient and staff. Some reasons to do so may include:
To Monitor the Quality of Care
Interested loved ones can monitor a patient’s care in real-time. They can see if they are receiving their medication and how often caretakers interact with them. They can also see if caretakers are cleaning the room and adequately caring for the patient.
To Detect Abuse or Neglect
A camera may capture instances of abuse, such as a nursing home staff member hitting a patient or verbally abusing them. It may also indicate a staff member’s neglect, such as ignoring phone calls or allowing a patient to become dehydrated.
To Deter Abuse or Neglect
Sometimes, the known presence of a camera may prevent staff members from abusing or neglecting a patient. Staff members may be more vigilant about following the standard of care and established protocols.
To Remotely Monitor Your Loved One
Many families do not live near their loved ones. Checking in periodically on the video camera can sometimes offer peace of mind.
To Get a Better Sense of Health Progress
Not all nursing home residents have strong communication skills. They may forget important details about their health, such as when they took their medication. A camera can help provide greater insight into your loved one’s daily routine and allow you to share critical care information with the nursing home.
To Create Legal Documentation
It may be necessary to take footage from the camera to use as evidence in a civil lawsuit or legal claim.
While these are good reasons to consider installing a camera in your loved one’s nursing home room, you must ensure you comply with the law.
Legal Requirements to Install a Camera in a Nursing Home Room
To install a camera in your loved one’s nursing home room, you will need to meet specific requirements, including:
- Obtaining your loved one’s permission and their waiver of their right to privacy
- Obtaining the consent of your loved one’s roommate, if applicable
If either of these parties does not have the requisite mental capacity to waive their rights, you can seek consent from their personal representatives.
You must also obtain approval from the nursing home before installing the camera. If it approves your request, you are responsible for installing, maintaining, and paying for the camera.
If you believe your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, contact a nursing home abuse attorney for a free consultation today.
Contact Our Nevada Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured and need legal help, contact our Nevada nursing home abuse attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We have three locations in Nevada for your convenience, including Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson. We’re proud to serve Clark County and the surrounding areas.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 964-1806
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 800-3455
About the Author
Alex De Castroverde earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and is licensed to practice in Nevada. He is a dedicated trial lawyer who assists clients across Las Vegas in a wide range of legal matters, with a focus on personal injury. Alex has successfully represented clients in cases involving car accidents, catastrophic injuries, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and more. Click here to learn more about the outstanding case results Alex has achieved for his clients.
