Libby Vinson, CEO, and Maureen Shea Director of Government Affairs and Communications, from NJACP attended a Bancroft smart home visit with Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-25). Bancroft staff, including Bridget Palmer, Director of Government Relations and Michelle Habingreither, Senior Director of Community Residential Services for Adults, along with staff from the home led the tour, explaining the many technology features to increase safety and independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Not only were features in the house explained, like stoves that only operate when safe and shut off to promote safety, flood controls on the dishwasher and a connected home through various devices, including an Echo smart screen individuals can learn to operate, if they want to.

The staff gave a thorough demonstration of how the medical administration technology operated because Assemblywoman Dunn is the sponsor of what is called “the medical administration bill.” A-5416, which regulates medication administration in certain residential facilities, would require a nurse or nurse’s aide is present at each group home and other requirements. NJACP has serious concerns with the bill and has been educating the legislature about the problematic provisions of the legislation. The larger picture of how many medical errors there are in relation to dosages is not known, therefore the need for this bill has not been demonstrated, however, medical administration technology was suggested as one way to improve medical errors that do occur.

NJACP will continue working with the Assemblywoman and thanks Bancroft for an outstanding tour of their group home. The technology was impressive, and we were fortunate to have such knowledgeable staff discussing it with the Assemblywoman.