03/12/2026

Camera Bill Amended to Shift Costs to Nursing Homes

This week, SB154 had its second hearing where it was amended significantly to put additional requirements around electronic monitoring in long-term care settings. The bill was originally developed to expand the requirements included in SB58, known as Esther’s Law, to assisted living. However, the bill contains numerous other provisions that would shift the expense of operating cameras to nursing home operators, including requiring facilities to provide internet access to support electronic monitoring devices, and capping fees charged for ongoing service at 10 percent of the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents. Notably, the sub bill is silent on how transmitting camera footage via unsecure internet connections poses significant privacy and health information security concerns for providers. 

During the hearing, Linda Kerdoff of the Ohio Office of the Long-term Care Ombudsman provided proponent testimony for the bill, noting, “Esther’s Law works. Having a camera gives residents a sense of security, aids communication with family members, and brings to light situations that previously were ignored, downplayed, or explained away.” The full hearing can be access on the Ohio Channel, with SB154 discussion beginning at 7:20 and Kerdoff’s testimony beginning at 10:45. 

Learn more about Senate Bill 154 during Monday's Advocacy in Action.