I was reviewing for my CNA state exam and came across something that I meant to ask my instructor about, but completely forgot about until now.
OBRA
Bed rails prevent the person from getting out of bed. They are considered restraints by OBRA and CMS. Bed rails cannot be used unless they are needed to treat a person's medical symptoms. Some people feel safer with bed rails up. Others use them to change positions in bed. The person or legal representative must give consent for raised bed rails. The need for bed rails is carefully noted in the person's medical record and the care plan.
Safety
You raise the bed to give care. Follow these safety measures to prevent the person from falling:
For a person who uses bed rails - Always raise the far bed rail if you are working alone. Raise both bed rails if you need to leave the bedside for any reason.
For the person who does not use bed rails - Ask a co-worker to help you. The co-worker stands on the far side of the bed. This protects the person from falling.
My main question: Are bed rails considered restraints if only used to ensure the resident doesn't fall during bedside care and they are lowered before you leave the resident?
In the nursing home where I had clinicals, I never encountered a resident that had bed rails up, but all the beds were against one wall. If the beds were open on both sides, I doubt I could have found a spare CNA to stand on one side of a bed for bedside care without bed rails.
If someone can take the time to explain this whole "when is it a restraint" issue I seem to be having, or point me in the right direction, I'd be very appreciative.
