FMDA Issues Statement Against Report on Electronic Surveillance
The Florida Medical Directors Association (FMDA) has released a statement
opposing a joint Attorney General-Agency for Health Care Administration report
recommending that video surveillance cameras be allowed in bedrooms and
bathrooms of nursing facility patients.
FMDA's statement says, "The physician and nurse practitioner members
of FMDA feel strongly that video surveillance cameras undermine the
privacy and dignity of nursing home patients and their doctors, nurse
practitioners, caregivers, and visitors." FMDA also states, "The use of
video and surveillance cameras will have a negative impact on the
facility's ability to recruit and retain staff at the very time when
there is a real shortage of nurses and certified nursing assistants.
The surveillance cameras also will disrupt the positive, trusting
relationship between a patient and caregiver that may have the
potential to interfere with their therapeutic relationship as well."
For more information about FMDA activities, contact Ian Cordes, Executive Director, at 561/659-5581 or e-mail to ian.cordes@fmda.org.
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