New Law Coming for Cameras in Nursing Homes

Families placing a loved one in a nursing home often worry about what happens when they are not there. Concerns about neglect, abuse, understaffing, and poor supervision are not uncommon — and unfortunately, they are sometimes justified.

In response to those concerns, Illinois enacted legislation specifically addressing the use of electronic monitoring devices in nursing home rooms.

Commonly referred to as the “granny cam law,” the Illinois Authorized Electronic Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities Act gives residents and their families the legal right — under certain conditions — to install cameras in resident rooms.

What the Illinois Law Allows

The law permits residents of long-term care facilities to install electronic monitoring devices in their rooms to record video, audio, or both, provided specific requirements are met.

Key provisions include:

The resident must provide written consent.
If the resident has a roommate, the roommate must also provide written consent.
The facility must receive written notice of the monitoring.
A notice must be posted in the room indicating that electronic monitoring is in use.
The resident (or their representative) is generally responsible for the cost of the device.

If a resident lacks the capacity to consent, a legal guardian or healthcare decision-maker may authorize the monitoring on the resident’s behalf.

Importantly, the law prohibits facilities from refusing admission or discharging a resident solely because the resident chooses to install a monitoring device.

Retaliation against residents for exercising this right is not permitted.

Why This Law Matters

For years, families suspected that neglect or abuse was occurring behind closed doors but had little ability to confirm their concerns.

Electronic monitoring provides:

Transparency
Accountability
Peace of mind
Evidence when misconduct occurs

In some cases across the country, hidden cameras have captured physical abuse, rough handling, verbal intimidation, and prolonged neglect.

At the same time, monitoring can also confirm that staff members are providing attentive and compassionate care.

The goal is not confrontation — it is protection.

Important Legal Considerations

While the Illinois law authorizes monitoring, families must comply with its procedural requirements.

Roommate consent is a significant factor. If a roommate does not consent, the facility may need to offer a room change, if available.

Audio recording can also raise privacy issues. Illinois is generally considered a two-party consent state for audio recording, which makes compliance with the monitoring statute especially important.

Failure to follow statutory requirements could create legal complications.

Before installing any device, families should:

Review the statutory requirements carefully.
Ensure proper written consent forms are completed.
Confirm that the facility receives notice.
Post required signage.

Consulting with an attorney familiar with Illinois long-term care law can help avoid mistakes.

Cameras Are Not a Substitute for Legal Action

Electronic monitoring can reveal problems — but it does not fix systemic issues like chronic understaffing, poor training, or inadequate care planning.

If a loved one has already suffered serious harm, such as:

Advanced pressure ulcers
Unexplained fractures
Severe dehydration or malnutrition
Repeated falls
Signs of physical abuse

then installing a camera may not be enough.

In those situations, families should consider speaking with a nursing home neglect attorney immediately.

Protecting Vulnerable Residents

The Illinois monitoring law reflects a broader recognition: transparency protects residents.

Nursing homes are legally obligated to provide adequate care and protect residents from abuse and neglect. When families are empowered to monitor care lawfully, it strengthens accountability.

No family should have to face the aftermath of a wrongful death alone. Our personal injury lawyers serving Peoria families are here to help during this difficult time.

Need a lawyer? This article is part of our Peoria Nursing Home Injury Lawyer practice area. Call Parker & Parker at 309-673-0069 for a free consultation.

New Law Coming for Cameras in Nursing Homes