Section 449A.NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] [Viewing or listening to images or sounds; disabling or turning off electronic communication device]1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person other than the patient or the representative of the patient who has requested the installation and use of an electronic communication device pursuant to section 9 of this act shall not intentionally: (a) Obstruct, tamper with or destroy the electronic communication device or any recording made by the electronic communication device; or(b) View or listen to any images or sounds which are displayed, broadcast or recorded by the electronic communication device.2. The following persons may view or listen to the images or sounds which are displayed, broadcast or recorded by an electronic communication device installed and used pursuant to section 9 of this act or temporarily disable or turn off such a device: (a) A representative of a law enforcement agency who is conducting an investigation;(b) A representative of the Aging and Disability Services Division or the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of the Department of Health and Human Services who is conducting an investigation;(c) The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman; and(d) An attorney who is representing the patient or a roommate of the patient and acting within the scope of that representation.3. A patient or the representative of the patient who has requested the installation and use of an electronic communication device pursuant to section 9 of this act may authorize a person other than a person described in subsection 2 to view or listen to the images or sounds which are displayed, broadcast or recorded by the electronic communication device. Any such authorization must be made in writing. The patient or representative, as applicable, may provide a copy of the authorization to the facility and the roommate of the patient or the representative of the roommate, if any.4. A person who temporarily disables or turns off an electronic communication device pursuant to subsection 2 shall ensure that the functions of the electronic communication device are appropriately enabled or turned back on before exiting the living quarters of the patient.5. A facility for skilled nursing shall not deny admission to or discharge a patient from the facility or otherwise discriminate or retaliate against a patient because of a decision to request the installation and use of an electronic communication device in the living quarters of the patient pursuant to section 9 of this act.Added by 2023, Ch. 221,§11, eff. 10/1/2023.