Patient chemical restraint

(a) Patients may be chemically restrained only by order of a physician or licensed independent practitioner who has determined that the chemical restraint is required to prevent injury to the patient or others or prevent serious disruption in the therapeutic environment. Alternative measures to the use of the chemical restraint shall be evaluated prior to their use. Chemical restraint shall not be imposed for discipline or convenience purposes. (b) Orders for medications used in chemical restraint shall specify the duration and frequency of administration and shall comply with specific stop order policies established by the medical staff for medications used for these purposes. (c) Patients who are chemically restrained shall be continuously monitored to ensure that side effects are observed and reported to the attending physician or licensed independent practitioner. Monitoring observations and reports to physicians and licensed independent practitioners shall be documented. SUBCHAPTER 17. FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SERVICES