Panel backs permissive electronic monitoring in assisted-living rooms with safeguards

Senate Bill 409, introduced by Senator Boisco, would permit residents and families to install electronic monitoring devices inside assisted-living facility rooms, subject to consent from a roommate or their legal representative and notice to facility visitors. Sponsor said the measure aligns assisted living with last years nursing-home law and is permissive rather than mandatory.

Scott Johnson, general counsel for the Virginia Health Care Association and the Virginia Center for Assisted Living, told the committee the bill is consistent with guardrails already adopted for nursing homes and said his organizations support the proposal. Kyler Hedrick, representing the Virginia Assisted Living Association, opposed the bill as written and urged building on facility‑specific policies recommended by the Department of Social Services in 2021 rather than replacing them; Hedrick offered to work on amendments.

Committee members expressed sympathy for families seeking oversight and safety for vulnerable residents while noting privacy and operational concerns. A motion to report SB409 passed unanimously on a voice/roll vote; the subcommittee recommended reporting the bill to the next stage.