Ingram Testifies on Legislation to Expand Esther's Law, Protect Ohioans in Long-Term Care Facilities

Today, state Senator Catherine D. Ingram (D-Cincinnati) gave sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 154, which would expand Esther’s Law to give residents of assisted living and residential care facilities or their representatives the ability to install electronic monitoring devices in resident rooms to monitor quality of care. 

“The goal of this legislation is simple: to extend transparency, accountability, and peace of mind to every Ohioan in long-term care,” said Ingram. “Current law leaves out nearly 60,000 Ohioans who live in residential care facilities who rely on staff and deserve the same protections as those in nursing facilities. Cameras do not replace caregivers—but they do strengthen trust and communication between residents, families, and staff.”

According to the Ohio Department of Aging, approximately 1 in 10 seniors aged 60 years and older are victims of elder abuse. Esther’s Law was enacted in 2022 and granted nursing home residents the ability to install in-room cameras to provide greater transparency between staff, residents, and their caregivers. 

S.B. 154 would expand camera rights to include assisted living and residential care facilities, cap installation and maintenance costs to ensure affordability, and protect resident choice by providing greater flexibility in camera options and who can access footage.

Senate Bill 154 awaits further hearings in the Senate Health Committee.