Medical Restraints

Specialties Correctional

Published

I am new to correctional nursing and one of the corrections officers has asked my help with medical policies. The current issue is use of medical restraints. Can someone share ideas for a policy on this? For instance, who orders (and what do you do if the doctor is not immediately available to order), what types of restraints, how long, times of release, criteria to cease use.

Appreciate any input.

Thank you

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Hi, Judy: Is your facility NCCHC or ACA accredited? If so, find the standards book and look up 'clinically ordered restraints' or 'restraints for medical purposes' for some specifics. Generally speaking, it should be determined that the patient is exhibiting behavior dangerous to self or others as a result of medical or mental illness. Your policy should spell out when restraints are permissible, obtaining a physician order, and nursing responsibilities for the restrained individual.

Welcome to correctional nursing! I hope you find a home in this specialty

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Thank you for the quick response. After I asked the question, I also emailed the nurse who inspects the medical departments in jails from our state (New York) and she just flat out said that they are not used. Our jail is not currently accredited, but is working toward that, thus the policies. This is all new to me, have spent last 40 years in hospital and then nursing home and through unusual circumstances, find myself in a jail setting and actually the "head nurse" after being there about 4 months working part time. On a good day, I like it, but not all are good days, mostly because I am alone, and no one to ask questions of so appreciate the willingness of others to share.

Thanks again for responding!

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OK! I know that the State of NY has some regulations not required in other states. Looks like you found a good resource.

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