Restraints Presentation Info Sheet
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT RESTRAINTS
- Restraints cannot be used as punishment or for the convenience of staff.
- State law prohibits the use of restraints except when -
- it is necessary to prevent physical danger to the patient or others
- it is ordered by a physician.
- Restraints must only be used as a last resort, and after efforts to calm the person were tried first.
- Doctors cannot order that restraints be use “as needed”. They must be specifically authorized on each occasion, and cannot be written into the treatment plan.
- Restraints can be used for up to three (3) hours - but the person must be released at the earliest possible time.
- Restraint orders can be renewed after three hours only if the person continues to be an imminent danger to self or others.
- A person in restraints must be monitored continuously and provided active treatment.
- Staff and the individual restrained must be “debriefed” after the event.
AND
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LAW ON THE USE OF RESTRAINTS—
OR NEED A LEGAL ADVOCATE TO HELP FIGHT THE USE OF RESTRAINTS—
CALL CONNECTICUT LEGAL RIGHTS PROJECT, INC.
TOLL-FREE
1-877-402-2299
TTY 860-262-5066
OR WRITE
P.O. BOX 351 SILVER STREET
MIDDLETOWN, CT 06457