![[picture of] Charles R. Scully](/design/images/attorneyName.gif){kind=small}
Protecting the Rights of Patients in Florida
Passed in 1987, the Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) is meant to protect the quality of life for nursing home residents and improve the quality of nursing home care. The NHRA lists a bill of patients' rights which includes the right to freedom from physical restraints.
If a family member has been subjected to unnecessary use of physical or chemical restraints at a nursing home, speak with an attorney today. At the Law Offices of Charles R. Scully, we represent nursing home residents injured by restraints. Please call our office at 866-611-4205 to schedule a free consultation with a St. Petersburg nursing home use of restraints attorney.
Improper Use of Physical and Chemical Restraints
Health care professionals are not allowed to restrain residents unless it is medically necessary or required to avoid self-injury. Federal regulations prohibit nursing home staff from restraining a patient as a form of punishment or for the staff's convenience. Restraints are only permitted under a doctor's orders and with the approval of the resident or resident's personal representative. Chemical restraints are only legally when used for medical treatment.
Physical restraints include items such as bedrails, restrictive chairs, hand mitts, vests tying residents to chairs or beds, and wrist or ankle restraints. Chemical restraints include psychoactive drugs such as sedatives, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medicines and antidepressants.
Improper use of restraints can cause muscle and bone weakness, bedsores, cardiovascular problems, depression, isolation and withdrawal. Use of drugs to restrain patients may cause oversedation, confusion, dehydration, lack of appetite or adverse reactions with other medications.
Nursing homes should use electronic monitoring devices such as bed or chair alarms instead of physical or chemical restraints. Adequate staffing and better supervision of residents would also eliminate the need for restraints in many cases.
Clearwater Restraint Injury Lawyers
For a free consultation, please call 866-611-4205 or contact us online.
