Carruthers Testifies in Support of Lauren's Law

COLUMBUS –State Representative Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton) today provided testimony before the House Families and Aging Committee on House Bill 465, known as Lauren’s Law.

The legislation is named after Lauren Carter, a 36-year-old Ohio woman who is developmentally disabled and has been the victim of disturbing abuse and neglect while in Intermediate Care Facilities for three decades. 

Lauren’s Law will standardize camera usage in client’s rooms in Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs). The use of cameras in a resident’s room builds upon the regulations from Esther’s Law, which grants nursing home residents the ability to authorize and install electronic monitoring devices in their rooms to monitor the quality of care.

“I can’t begin to imagine the ongoing pain and suffering inflicted on Lauren and her family,” Carruthers said. “I will always advocate for Ohio’s most vulnerable. Lauren’s Law is a step in the right direction to help families who are in desperate need of better care for their loved ones.”

Under Lauren’s Law, the Medicaid Waiver Program will pay family members who want to care for their loved ones at home nearly the same wages as those who work in ICFs. This change will give more flexibility and control over the care their family member in need of services receives.

The bill awaits further consideration by the committee.