North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2070

Introduced
1/7/25  
Refer
1/7/25  
Report Pass
1/23/25  
Engrossed
1/28/25  
Refer
2/18/25  
Report Pass
3/21/25  
Enrolled
4/28/25  

Caption

AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 50-10.2-01, 50-10.2-02, and 50-10.2-02.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the rights of health care facility residents.

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state law regarding residents' rights within healthcare facilities. By stipulating conditions for the use of electronic monitoring, it seeks to protect the privacy of both the monitored resident and their roommates. Moreover, facilities cannot refuse admission or remove residents based on the presence of monitoring devices, which strengthens residents' rights and helps prevent retaliation against those who utilize such technology to safeguard their well-being.

Summary

Senate Bill 2070 aims to enhance the rights of residents in health care facilities in North Dakota, specifically focusing on the authorization and use of electronic monitoring devices in shared living spaces. The bill allows residents or their representatives to install monitoring devices in their rooms, provided they adhere to privacy and safety guidelines, and ensures that the rights of all residents are respected. This legislation highlights a shift towards improving transparency and accountability in care facilities, empowering residents to monitor their interactions and care.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 2070 appears largely positive, with broad support evident in the unanimous votes recorded in both the Senate and House. Proponents view the bill as a necessary reassessment of residents' rights, aligning with modern expectations for transparency in care. Nonetheless, there are concerns regarding the potential for conflicts in privacy between roommates and how facilities will manage these new protocols, indicating a healthy debate among stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the logistics of implementing electronic monitoring in shared rooms without infringing on the privacy of other residents. Proponents must address how to balance the rights of residents wanting monitoring with the rights of those who do not wish to be recorded. Additionally, the effectiveness of grievance procedures for residents who feel their rights have been compromised by monitoring measures could be a source of further legislative review.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2070

AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 50-10.2-01, 50-10.2-02, and 50-10.2-02.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the rights of health care facility residents.

ND SB2271

The definition of adult residential facility; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an appropriation.

ND SB2271

AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 50-24.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to adult residential facility payment rates; to amend and reenact section 50-24.5-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of adult residential facility; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an appropriation.

ND HB1072

Foster care homes for children and adults.

ND HB1072

AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 50-11-03.2 and 50-11-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to foster care homes for children and adults.

ND SB2081

Geropsychiatric facilities.

ND SB2081

AN ACT to amend and reenact section 50-24.4-29 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to geropsychiatric facilities.

ND HB1120

Out-of-state child-placing agencies and revocation of license; and to provide a penalty.

ND HB1120

AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 14-15-09, 14-15-11, 50-12-09, 50-12-10, and 50-12-17 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the revised uniform adoption act and child-placing agencies; to repeal sections 50-12-02.1 and 50-12-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to out-of-state child-placing agencies and revocation of license; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2140

The dementia care services program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.