NURS HOME-ELECTRONIC MONITORNG

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Requires a nursing home to place electronic monitoring devices throughout the facility in areas including specified common areas and residents' rooms. Allows residents to opt out of electronic monitoring in their rooms. Sets forth requirements concerning recordings. Provides that intentionally hampering, obstructing, tampering with, or destroying an electronic monitoring device installed in a facility is a Class A misdemeanor for which a $5,000 fine may be imposed. Provides for access to real-time and recorded files. Allows for the admission of recordings into evidence. Contains provisions concerning civil liability; reimbursement of facilities for expenses incurred in installing electronic monitoring systems; the authority of the Department of Public Health to deny, suspend, or refuse to renew a facility's license; the adoption of rules by the Department; and other matters. Effective immediately.