Question:
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Ken
We are being asked by a Health Care Company and a customer to install cameras in a bedroom so the Health Care Company can look in and make sure the customer is OK. Since the bedroom is a place that should have privacy, what are your thoughts? Is there a waiver that could be signed to take us off the hook?
J. Zweedyk
Vice President
Engineered Protection Systems, Inc.
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Answer:
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Normally you should not install cameras in a bedroom, especially covert cameras. However, if the home owner requests it and signs off on the request, particularly stating the purpose of the cameras, I don't see a problem with it. Of course that "waiver" would be effective only for the person signing it and not someone else who may occupy that bedroom. A home health care worker however would not be able to complain about the camera since as far as the worker is concerned this is a place of work, not a bedroom. Nevertheless, the health care company would be wise to have its employees sign an employment contract that consents to such video and perhaps audio surveillance.
On another note, I recently circulated an article that new laws affecting video surveillance may be in the making. I've already gotten calls on the issue. So far I am not aware of any new law and we'll have to wait and see if anything gets passed and how it reads. The industry should stay on top of any proposed legislation and try to have input. I was asked about video that activates when an alarm condition is triggers for video confirmation. I don't believe that any statute should or will prevent that video since there should be no expectation of privacy when someone has tripped an alarm.