HAR §11-96-35. Restraints

(a) There shall be written policies and procedures governing the use of restraints. (b) Physical restraints shall be used only under physicians' orders for specified and limited periods of times and their use shall be documented. (1) If physical restraints are used in an emergency situation, the attending physician shall be contacted immediately for orders supporting or discontinuing the temporary use; (2) Only a staff member so designated in the written policy shall have the authority to apply restraints in an emergency situation; (3) Regular observation and regular release of client shall be required while restraints are in use; and (4) No restraints with locking devices shall 96- be used. (c) Restraints shall be used only under the following conditions: (1) In emergency conditions to prevent imminent danger to health or safety by a client to self or others; and (2) For temporarily positioning the client to prevent the client from falling out of a chair or from a treatment table or bed. (d) Restraints shall include only cloth vests, soft ties, soft cloth mittens, seat belts, or wheelchair trays. Soft ties means soft cloth which does not cause skin abrasion and which does not restrict blood circulation. (e) Restraints shall not be used as punishment or as a convenience to the staff. (f) Restraints shall be applied in a manner so that they can be speedily removed in case of fire or other emergency. (g) Various types of adult chairs referred to as geriatric chairs are not defined as a restraint if the type of closing mechanism on the chair and the physical and mental capability of the specific client allows for easy removal. [Eff ] (Auth: HRS §321-11) (Imp: HRS §321-11)