South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-84 - Standards for Licensing Community Residential Care Facilities
Sec2 61-84.900 - RESIDENT CARE/SERVICES
Section 61-84.900.905 - Safety Precautions/Restraints (I)
Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024
A. Periodic or continuous mechanical, physical or chemical restraints during routine care of a resident shall not be used, nor shall residents be restrained for staff convenience or as a substitute for care/services. However, in cases of extreme emergencies when a resident is a danger to him/herself or others, mechanical and/or physical restraints may be used as ordered by a physician or other authorized healthcare provider, and until appropriate medical care can be secured.
EXCEPTION: Antipsychotic medication administered to residents with Alzheimer's disease or dementia is not considered a chemical restraint if the resident has be prescribed the antipsychotic medication in a physician order and/or PRN and the resident only receives the prescribed dosage of medication as indicated on the physician order and/or PRN and every medication administration is recorded pursuant to the requirements of this regulation.
B. Only those devices specifically designed as restraints may be used. Makeshift restraints shall not be used under any circumstance.
C. Emergency restraint orders shall specify the reason for the use of the restraint, the type of restraint to be used, the maximum time the restraint may be used, and instructions for observing the resident while restrained, if different from the facility's written procedures. Residents certified by a physician or other authorized healthcare provider as requiring restraint for more than 24 hours shall be transferred to an appropriate facility.
D. During emergency restraint, residents shall be monitored at least every 15 minutes, and provided with an opportunity for motion and exercise at least every 30 minutes. Prescribed medications and treatments shall be administered as ordered, and residents shall be offered nourishment and fluids and given bathroom privileges.
