Cameras in Nursing Homes?

We have posted previously on the use of technology for monitoring care, so I was interested in reading the NYC Elder Abuse Center recent blog post referencing an article by NYCEAC Medical Director Dr. Mark Lachs.  Dr. Lachs, the Director of Geriatrics for NY Presbyterian Health System, wrote for the HUFFPOST Healthy Living Blog on The Utility and Ethics of ‘Granny Cams‘.  Dr. Lachs referenced his  earlier interview in the NY Times.    In the HUFFPOST blog post, Dr. Lachs discusses the pros and cons of the use of cameras in long term care facilities. including the protection of residents and the loss of resident privacy.  As Dr. Lachs notes in his post, “[i]n the digital age, ensuring privacy has practically become a Sisyphean task; we don’t know where these videos will wind up.”  He also discusses the rights of employees and how the general public may view the video evidence without any context. He references Dr. Mosqueda’s view regarding the importance of informed consent:

 If this is going to happen, it should be done with everyone’s consent and knowledge — employee, family member, and patient — whenever possible.  I think this notion is spot on.  Video cameras have become a part of our daily lives, and this is going to happen whether we approve or not.  As more states look to implement laws related to cameras in nursing homes, it seems prudent to develop standards around how and when these devices should be employed.

The NYCEAC post offers some links to other stories about the use of “granny cams” use in long term care facilities.