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Some calling for less restrictions regarding cameras in care facilities after Hacienda investigation

Posted at 5:07 PM, Jan 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-10 23:35:21-05

PHOENIX — Arizona State Representative Jeff Weninger told ABC15 on Thursday that he'll be supporting and exploring legislation to make it easier for family members to place cameras in their loved ones room at a nursing home or care facility, if they want.

"The question is, does the family who has a loved one in a nursing home or a care facility have a right to keep an eye on them. Maybe even converse with them," said Weninger.

After recent events at Hacienda Healthcare in Phoenix, where a woman in a vegetative state gave birth, security concerns and questions of why there are no cameras inside are being raised.

Karina Cesena, who has a daughter at Hacienda, telling ABC15 she'll be putting a camera in her daughters room. Even if there are objections.

"I'm just going to do it regardless, it doesn't matter about your HIPAA laws about your privacy laws, this is my daughter and I'm going to do anything in my power to make sure she is protected."

Representative Weninger says he'll be working with Representative Nancy Barto, chair of the House Human Services Committee, to push this legislation forward and look at how a bill could further protect families who have loved ones in a nursing home or care facility in Arizona.

"It's tragic, it's disgusting plainly and we want to make sure we can try to prevent this in the future," said Weninger.