§ 23-17.5-9. Abuse.
(a) Patients shall not be subject to mental and physical abuse, and shall be free from chemical and (except in emergencies) physical restraints except as authorized in writing by a physician for a specified and limited period of time for the protection of the patient.
(b) Restraining devices are generally prohibited. A controlling device to be used for the protection of the patient may be utilized only as prescribed in writing and signed by a physician. The length of time, the purpose, and the kind of restraint shall be specified in the physician’s order.
(c) A training program in the use of restraints shall be required for all personnel providing direct patient care, and completion of the program shall be documented in the employee’s personnel record.
(d) If physical restraining devices are authorized by a physician in accordance with subsection (b), the patient’s next of kin or legal guardian shall be informed in writing of the purpose and duration of restraint. A copy of the communication shall be retained in the medical record for one year.
History of Section.P.L. 1978, ch. 235, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 23-17.5 - Rights of Nursing Home Patients
Section 23-17.5-1. - Condition of admission.
Section 23-17.5-2. - Care of patient.
Section 23-17.5-3. - Physician.
Section 23-17.5-4. - Rules of nursing homes.
Section 23-17.5-5. - Services and charges.
Section 23-17.5-6. - Care by physician — Disclosure of patient’s medical condition.
Section 23-17.5-7. - Experimentation.
Section 23-17.5-8. - Grievances.
Section 23-17.5-10. - Performance of services by patients.
Section 23-17.5-11. - Participation in activities.
Section 23-17.5-12. - Visitors.
Section 23-17.5-13. - Personal services.
Section 23-17.5-14. - Right to privacy.
Section 23-17.5-15. - Financial affairs.
Section 23-17.5-16. - Married patient.
Section 23-17.5-17. - Transfer to another facility.
Section 23-17.5-18. - Development of responsibilities.
Section 23-17.5-19. - Discrimination.
Section 23-17.5-20. - Posting of law.
Section 23-17.5-21. - Penalties.
Section 23-17.5-22. - Enforcement.
Section 23-17.5-23. - Severability.
Section 23-17.5-25. - Notice on bed-hold policy and readmission.
Section 23-17.5-26. - Smoke-free environment.
Section 23-17.5-27. - Heat relief.
Section 23-17.5-28. - Pain assessment.
Section 23-17.5-29. - Hospice.
Section 23-17.5-30. - Family councils.
Section 23-17.5-31. - Reimbursement of monies prepaid to deceased patient’s estate.
Section 23-17.5-32. - Minimum staffing levels.
Section 23-17.5-33. - Minimum staffing level compliance and enforcement program.
Section 23-17.5-34. - Nursing staff posting requirements.
Section 23-17.5-35. - Staffing plan.