South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-93 - Standards for Licensing Facilities for Chemically Dependent or Addicted Persons
Sec2 61-93.900 - PATIENT CARE, TREATMENT, AND SERVICES
Section 61-93.900.907 - Safety Precautions and Restraints (I)

A. Periodic or continuous mechanical, physical, or chemical restraints during routine care of a Patient shall not be used, nor shall Patients be restrained for Staff convenience or as a substitute for care or services. However, in cases of extreme emergencies when a Patient is a danger to him or 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. Only those devices specifically designed as restraints may be used.

B. 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 Patient while restrained, if different from the Facility's written procedures. Patients certified by a Physician or other Authorized Healthcare Provider as requiring restraint for more than twenty-four (24) hours shall be transferred to an appropriate Facility.

C. During emergency restraint, Patients shall be monitored at least every fifteen (15) minutes and provided with an opportunity for motion and exercise at least every thirty (30) minutes. Prescribed Medications and treatments shall be administered as ordered, and Patients shall be offered nourishment and fluids and given bathroom privileges.

D. The use of mechanical restraints shall be documented in the Patient's record, and shall include the date and time implemented, the length of time restrained, observations while Patient is restrained.