Patient restraint

Patients have the right to be free from physical or chemical restraint unless such restraint is required to prevent injury to the patient or others or prevent serious disruption in the therapeutic environment. The responsibility for restraining any patient shall be limited to the patient's attending physician or licensed independent practitioner although physical restraint may be temporarily applied in emergency situations in accordance with established written policies at the direction of a registered nurse. Each facility shall have policies regarding the use of physical and chemical restraints and these policies shall comply with all requirements specified in these rules and other appropriate state and federal requirements. Each patient or their legal representative shall have access to these policies upon request.