Patients’ Rights – Addendum

You have the right to be free from restraints of any form (physical or chemical) and/or seclusion that are not medically necessary.

A restraint can only be used if needed to improve your well-being and when less restrictive interventions have been determined to be ineffective. A restraint may be used to ensure your safety and/or that of others.

There must be an order for restraints, and that order should never be written as standing or as needed. This order must:

• be followed by consultation with the treating physician as soon as possible if not ordered by the treating physician
• be in accordance with a written modification to the plan of care
• be implemented in the least restrictive manner possible
• be in accordance with safe and appropriate restraining techniques
• end at the earliest possible time

Your condition must be continually assessed, monitored and revaluated.

Staff involved must have ongoing restraint education and training.

Seclusion is the involuntary confinement of a person where the person is physically prevented from leaving. A physician or other Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP) must see and evaluate the need for the restraint or seclusion within one hour after its initiation.

Time limits exist for which orders for restraint or seclusion are valid, depending upon your age. After the order expires, the physician or LIP must see and assess you before issuing a new order.

A restraint and seclusion may not be used simultaneously, except in certain situations.

For more information about your rights regarding restraint or seclusion, please contact Patient Relations at 860-679-3176, or off hours, the Nursing Supervisor on duty.