Pennsylvania Code
Title 55 - HUMAN SERVICES
Part I - Department of Human Services
Subpart B - Rights
Chapter 14 - ABUSE OF PATIENTS/RESIDENTS
Section 14.7 - Restraint and self-defense

(a) Occasionally, an employe may be called upon to defend himself or others from a patient/resident. This is a time when an employe shall show maximum self-control and self-discipline to insure that he uses only the minimum amount of force necessary in a given situation.

(b) When an employe is called upon to restrain a patient/resident under proper restraint procedures, the least amount of force necessary, applied intelligently, will not only insure that a patient's/resident's rights are not violated but, more appropriately, assist that patient/resident in regaining self-control.

(c) An employe should attempt to prevent patient/resident behavior leading to a situation in which restraints or other physical action will be necessary by recognizing indications of impending hyperactivity or assaultiveness and intervening in a positive, constructive manner. Examples are involving the patient/resident in other activities, removing the source of over-stimulation, giving the patient/resident a chance to get away or to relax. These actions and actions of self-defense shall be undertaken with maximum self-control and discipline, and should involve the least force necessary.

(d) Prudent self-defense that does not seek to cause harm to the patient/resident will, inevitably, not only protect the employe from harm, but will make it easier to control and calm the patient/resident who is disturbed. An employe who feels the necessity of defending himself in an assertive, forceful manner should be cognizant of the requirement to be able to demonstrate that alternative action was not reasonably available and that the minimum amount of force necessary was used.