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10/14/2021
LeadingAge Ohio comments on “Esther’s Law”
Today, SB 58 is scheduled for its third hearing in the House Families, Human Services & Aging Committee, one of the final hurdles to clear before passage. The bill has already been passed in the Senate, and no amendments have been made in the House bill.
The bill, termed “Esther’s Law”, would allow residents and guardians to place electronic monitoring devices in resident rooms in nursing homes and assisted living. If passed, Ohio will join an estimated 10 other states with similar laws in place.
LeadingAge Ohio offered comments on the bill, outlining the significant changes made to the legislation, including limiting the individuals who could request electronic monitoring, clarifying that facilities would not be responsible for the costs associated with devices, and removing language that would have required Medicaid to fund electronic monitoring for low-income residents.
If and when SB58 is passed, LeadingAge Ohio will provide guidance to members on the specific requirements and processes outlined in the bill. Questions may be directed to Susan Wallace at swallace@leadingageohio.org.