Restraint use in the home health care environment

Abstract

The use of patient restraints had been essentially unstructured until the Omnibus Reconcilia tion Act of 1987 (OBRA '87). Because of the inability to control patient environments experi enced by home health providers, it is necessary to demonstrate guidelines that are in place to ensure that safe and quality care is administered to home health patients. Thorough assessment of patients' mental and physical as well as environmental status should be systematically per formed and documented on the clinical record and incorporated into the plan of care. Policies and procedures, as well as patient teaching information, should be in place administratively to ensure protection of the patient and agency. Key words: patient restraints, home health care, Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987