03/26/2026

LeadingAge Ohio Outlines Privacy, Technology Concerns in Senate Bill 154 Testimony

LeadingAge Ohio raised targeted concerns this week on Senate Bill 154, urging lawmakers to strengthen privacy protections and address operational realities as the state considers expanding electronic monitoring in long-term care settings. Testifying before the Senate Health Committee, Public Policy Director Eli Faes emphasized that while providers support transparency and resident choice, the current draft requires additional clarity to avoid unintended consequences for residents and providers alike.

Faes pointed to risks tied to shared rooms, where monitoring devices may capture another resident’s care or conversations without consent, creating potential HIPAA exposure. He also flagged infrastructure challenges, noting that consumer-grade cameras can strain facility internet capacity and disrupt service for residents and staff. LeadingAge Ohio supports the bill’s intent and said targeted revisions—particularly around consent, data access, and cost recovery—would better align the policy with real-world care settings. Listen to the full testimony beginning at timestamp 32:48.