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Minutes for HB2232 - Committee on Public Health and Welfare
Short Title
Electric monitoring in adult care homes.
Minutes Content for Thu, Jan 18, 2018
Scott Abbott, Staff Revisor, gave an overview on HB2232 and answered questions from Committee members.
Proponent testimony was presented by:
Representative Linda Gallagher testified that SB2232 would allow residents in long-term care facilities, or their designated representatives, to install electronic monitoring equipment in their personal room if they so choose at their own expense. The bill establishes guidelines for authorized electronic monitoring. (Attachment 1)
Lisa Van Dusen shared her story of how she became an advocate for her mother who, as she suffers from Alzheimer's, became a victim of abuse at the facility where she resided. Ms. Van Dusen then became an advocate for people living with Alzheimer's and an advocate for the use of cameras. (Attachment 2)
Mitzi McFatrich testified that HB2232 provides an affirmative right for a resident to video/audio record and assures older Kansans, or their representatives, a means to confirm and stop abuse and identify the person responsible. (Attachment 3)
Michelle Niedens stated that installation of elecronic monitoring devices focuses on prevention and safety. The value of electronic monitoring is not to catch wrong doing; it is to prevent it from happening. The use of cameras can serve to improve care. (Attachment 4)
Linda MowBray testified that HB2232 is a hold-over from last session. While having a neutral position last session she is now a proponent as major issues have been addressed including a proper procedure for reporting complaints as outlined by KDADS and that a roommate is allowed a change of mind and can withdraw consent and that the facility can intervene if needed. (Attachment 5)
Proponent written testimony was submitted by:
Ernest Kutzley, AARP (Attachment 6)
Doug Stark and Robert Miller, Comfort Care Homes (Attachment 7)
Janie Carney, Individual (Attachment 8)
Neutral oral testimony was presented by:
Rachel Monger requested an amendment based on language in a Texas law which when a recording is used as evidence, the recording be presented wholly intact and unaltered. (Attachment 9)
Barb Hickert asked that unnecessary, burdensome and potentially harmful amendments be removed before passage of HB2232, including the requirement to post a notice outside the resident's room stating that monitoring is taking place. (Attachment 10)
Neutral written testimony was submitted by:
Codi Thurness, KDAD (Attachment 11)
Scott Schultz, Kansas Sentencing Commission (Attachment 12)
Committee members posed questions to those who testified.
The hearing on on HB2232 was closed.
Senator Berger introduced a bill allowing dental therapists to practice in Kansas.
Vice Chairman Bollier adjourned the meeting at 10:35. The next scheduled meeting is January 22, 2018.
