Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Licensee is not according privacy to residents in care.

It was alleged the facility installed video surveillance cameras that were not affording residents in care with privacy, thus violating their personal rights. Complainant alleges that cameras were installed, specifically in the facility medication room, which included sound recording. It was further alleged that the camera was pointed directly at the medication room laptop, thus allowing resident’s private medical information to be observed by unknown individuals who did not have a need to know the information present.

LPA Adkison interviewed Regional Director of Operations (DOO), Eric Hofstetter, who stated the camera system feed went directly to the Executive Directors cell phone. DOO claimed they had never viewed the footage, so they could not speak to where cameras were pointed. DOO reported that to the best of their knowledge, the cameras did not have any sound.

LPA interviewed Executive Director (ED), Ilona Corpus, who stated the camera feed only went to her cell phone and no other staff member had access. ED stated there is no sound on any of the cameras and denied any private resident information being shared with anyone.

LPA observed video feed on ED’s cell phone and observed no sound being emitted through the cameras. LPA observed the medication room camera, which had no clear view of the laptop in question. LPA further observed notification outside of the facility, notifying all residents and visitors of the presence of video monitoring in use. Finally, ED provided LPA with a sample copy of the resident admission agreement. In the Miscellaneous section under subsection “B”, there is information regarding the installation of the camera system for security purposes and further states the cameras are not monitored by staff.

Based on documentation reviewed, interviews conducted, and observations made, the above allegation is found to be UNFOUNDED. A finding that the allegation is unfounded means that the allegation is false, could not have happened, and/or is without a reasonable basis. No deficiencies are being cited as a result of this inspection. Exit interview conducted. A copy of the report was provided, via email, to Executive Director, Ilona Corpus.