I am writing to urge the United States Congress to enact Esther’s Law as a national law that would allow residents in all long-term care facilities to have a camera in their room if they choose, while ensuring that all privacy rights are protected. This law is not mandatory; it empowers individuals to decide what level of oversight they want in their own living spaces and provides a consistent federal framework to safeguard dignity and safety across every state. Esther’s Law has a proven lineage. It began in 2019, inspired by the courageous story of Esther Piskor, who was brutally abused by eight aides in 2011, an incident captured on hidden cameras. The perpetrators faced consequences: one received a prison sentence of 10 1/2 years, one served six months, three were fired, and three were disciplined. Esther’s story resonated worldwide and prompted a rigorous examination of how best to protect vulnerable residents in care settings.

 States across the country have adopted Esther’s Law as a guide to form their own camera policies. Ohio passed a version in 2021; Nevada followed in 2022 using Ohio’s law as a model. Since then, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Wisconsin have used Esther’s Law as a blueprint for their own legislation. Today, about 18 states have enacted some form of camera law in long-term care facilities, with most laws focusing on nursing homes and assisted living facilities. What these states demonstrate is a growing recognition that transparent oversight can deter abuse, uncover neglect, and empower residents and families. However, there remains a compelling need for a federal standard. 

Thousands of complaints of neglect and abuse in long-term care facilities go unreported each year, and thousands more are unsubstantiated due to lack of proof. A national, uniform framework would help ensure that all residents—regardless of state—have access to protections that reflect the dignity and rights they deserve in their final years. No one should endure neglect or abuse simply because they reside in a long-term care facility. Esther’s Law represents a thoughtful balance between safety and privacy, giving residents control over whether to have cameras in their rooms while safeguarding their fundamental privacy rights. A federal law modeled after Esther’s Law would extend proven protections to all states and help ensure that abuse is detected, addressed, and prevented wherever care is provided. Thank you for considering this vital protection for our aging and vulnerable population. I urge you to support and advance a federal Esther’s Law to safeguard dignity, safety, and accountability in every long-term care facility.

These are the states that currently have some type of a camera law. Most are for nursing homes and assisted living facilities only.  We want them in all long term care facilities. 

States with camera laws:
Texas - 2004
New Mexico - 2004
Washington - 2008
Oklahoma - 2013
Illinois - 2016
Kansas - 2019
Louisiana - 2019
North Dakota - 2019
Virginia -2018 -  passed in 2025 
South Dakota - 2020
Minnesota - 2020
Missouri - 2020 resident and facility each own 50% of videos
Maryland - 2021 restrictions facility must approve
Utah - 2021
Ohio - 2021
Connecticut - 2021
Nevada - 2023
Rhode Island - 2024

New Jersey - 2016 safe cam program
Wisconsin - 2018 safe cam program

Georgia Supreme Court Ruling
Hidden cameras are legal to use
aids had no rights to expectancy of privacy
videos can be used in courts

Call and email your U.S. Representative and Senator and tell them to enact a law for Cameras in every state and in every long term care facility.  

It's Time To Stop The Abuse.

ENHAA Elderly Nursing Home Abuse Advocates

follow me at @stevepiskor @estherpiskor  enhaa.com stevepiskor.com