New rules for use of surveillance cameras in Quebec care centres start March 7
MONTREAL — New rules governing surveillance cameras in long-term care facilities in Quebec strike a balance between respecting residents’ rights and protecting the reputation of staff members, the Quebec government said Tuesday.
A patients’ rights group, however, says the framework that comes into effect March 7 was adopted to protect the government as opposed to vulnerable seniors.
In response to high-profile cases of abuse against seniors in Quebec facilities, the Liberals passed a law in 2016 forcing all such institutions to create a clear policy to prevent the mistreatment of elderly people in their care.
Included in the law are the new rules, which stipulate that all cameras installed in rooms of patients in long-term care facilities must be there strictly to monitor the well-being of a resident and not to spy on neighbours or staff.