Butler County Today

State Representative Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton) testified 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 has been the victim of abuse and neglect while in Intermediate Care Facilities for three decades.

Carruthers expressed her support for Lauren's Law, stating, "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.”

Lauren’s Law aims to standardize camera usage in client’s rooms in Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs). This builds upon the regulations from Esther’s Law, allowing nursing home residents to authorize and install electronic monitoring devices in their rooms to monitor the quality of care.

Additionally, under Lauren’s Law, the Medicaid Waiver Program will provide financial support to family members who choose to care for their loved ones at home, offering wages comparable to those who work in ICFs. This change will give families more flexibility and control over the care their loved ones receive.

The bill is currently awaiting further consideration by the committee.