The use of surveillance cameras in nursing home rooms has been a topic of increasing interest over recent years. Families want reassurance about the care their loved ones receive, and cameras offer a way to monitor and ensure their safety. However, the legality of installing such cameras depends on state-specific laws and nursing home policies. This updated guide for 2025 provides the latest information, including the states that allow cameras, regulations to follow, and helpful external resources for further reading.
Why Consider Surveillance Cameras in Nursing Homes?
The decision to install a camera in a nursing home room is often driven by concerns about safety and quality of care. Cameras can:
- Monitor for abuse or neglect.
- Provide peace of mind for families.
- Serve as evidence in cases of disputes or legal action.
However, the use of surveillance devices also raises questions about privacy, consent, and potential misuse of recordings. For these reasons, states have implemented specific laws governing their installation and use. Our Arizona nursing home abuse attorneys discuss these questions and more below.
Updated List of States That Allow Cameras in Nursing Homes
As of 2025, the following states permit the installation of cameras in nursing home rooms under specific conditions. Links to applicable laws and resources are provided for further details:
Updated List of States That Allow Cameras in Nursing Homes
As of 2025, the following states permit the installation of cameras in nursing home rooms under specific conditions. Links to applicable laws and resources are provided for further details:
- Arizona
- State Laws: HB 2653
- Connecticut
- State Laws: Section 19a-550(b)
- Illinois
- State Laws: Section 210 ILCS 32
- Kansas
- State Laws: Section 39-981
- Louisiana
- State Laws: Sections RS 40:1193.1 to RS 40:1193.11
- Maryland
- MD has no specific state statutes governing the use of cameras, but the Department of Health provides guidelines.
- Minnesota
- State Laws: Section 144-6502
- Missouri
- State Laws: Sections 198.610 to 198.632
- New Jersey
- NJ has no specific state laws but offers a Safe Care Cam Program.
- New Mexico
- State Laws: Sections 24-26-1 to 24-26-12
- North Dakota
- State Laws: Sections 50-10.2-01 to 50-10.2-05
- Ohio
- State Laws: Section 3721.64
- Oklahoma
- State Laws: Sections 1-1956.1 to 1956.7
- Texas
- State Laws: Sections 242.841 to 242.852
- Utah
- State Laws: Section 26B-2-236
- Virginia
- State Laws: Section 12VAC5-371-191
- Washington
- State Laws: Section 388-78A-2690
For states not listed, the legality may vary, and nursing homes might set their own policies. Consult with local authorities or legal professionals for guidance.
If you want to install a video camera in your loved one’s nursing home room, you will have to reside in one of these states. You will also need to follow the protocols set forth under law.
However, if you do not live in one of the states with a video camera law, you must get permission from the nursing home supervisors before you install a camera. The coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) provides an additional argument to use with a facility when requesting that a video camera be installed.
NURSING HOME ABUSE STATISTICS TO CONSIDER
Before diving into the use of video cameras inside nursing homes, it is important to know some statistics about these facilities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, there were an estimated 15,300 nursing homes in the U.S. with 1.6 million licensed beds. Over 70 percent of these nursing homes run with profit as the primary goal.
That means that operators who own these homes are most concerned about the bottom line. This can often lead to understaffed facilities that do not provide outstanding care.
Elder abuse and neglect is an important public health problem throughout the country. In Arizona, the nursing home abuse statistics are concerning. According to Arizona Adult Protective Services (APS) there were 7,284 abuse allegations and 10,761 neglect allegations in 2024. Neglect allegations increased 26% compared to the previous year.
At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, we are very familiar with the Arizona nursing home abuse statistics and we have helped many of these victims get justice. If you suspect this is going on with your senior loved one in their Arizona nursing home, contact our team. We offer free consultations.
THE VIDEO CAMERA DILEMMA FOR NURSING HOME ROOMS
The prevalence of smartphones equipped with video recording capability has transformed society, as these devices have captured criminal acts that are later used as evidence in trials. But the permissibility of installing video cameras has become a legal gray area. Can you put a surveillance camera in a patient’s nursing home room?
Some family members of nursing home residents have installed cameras without obtaining permission and have run afoul of legal entanglements regarding the admissibility of the footage in a lawsuit.
Before placing your family member in a nursing home, you should discuss your desire to use a video camera in your loved one’s room and find out the facility’s policy. This could be a deal-breaker, because many incidents of abuse have been captured on video cameras. This makes them a valuable tool in ensuring the safety and well-being of nursing home residents.
If your loved one is receiving care at home, the obvious presence of such cameras may discourage theft and abuse, and provide evidence if it occurs. Many people think of elder abuse only in the context of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing units. However, abuse and neglect can occur in a person’s own home by those charged with providing care.
SEEK JUSTICE FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS
We understand that you may have questions regarding what states allow cameras in nursing homes or the legality of installing a camera in your loved ones’ private room. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect and have questions, contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney near you to discuss your situation.
At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, we provide aggressive and principled legal representation to elder abuse victims in Phoenix, Tucson and throughout Arizona. Please call us today at (602) 648-4045 for a free legal consultation. Our legal team has the experience, reputation and resources to obtain a settlement or to take a case to trial if necessary.
