NJ A1213

Hospitals must install and operate video surveillance devices in incapacitated patients' rooms upon request by the patient or their legal representative, with hospitals covering all associated costs.

"Incapacitated" is defined as patients who are unconscious, immobile, or unable to verbally communicate with hospital staff.

Hospitals must inform incapacitated patients and their legal representatives of this right during admission and cannot refuse admission or remove patients for making such requests.

Hospitals must store all recorded video footage and provide access to it for up to 60 days following patient discharge.

Tampering with, obstructing, or destroying monitoring devices or footage without consent constitutes a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years imprisonment, fines up to $15,000, or both.