On July 1, 1996, the JCAHO standards for acute care institutions went into effect. The purpose of the new standards is threefold: 1) set minimum requirement for the use of physical restraints, 2) raise the awareness of the health care professionals who have traditionally ordered and applied physical restraints, and 3) alert providers of the diverse effects of physical restraints. While JCAHO standards are rather general and non-prescriptive, this program raises awareness of restraint use and outlines alternatives to restraints which, when utilized, will place acute care facilities in compliance with JCAHO standards and improve the quality of care for older patients.  Special attention will be given to promoting safe bed systems and avoiding entrapment.

Learner Objectives:
At the end of the program, attendees will be able to:
1. Describe physical and emotional problems associated with the use of physical restraints.
2. Identify the advantages of providing care without the use of restraints.
3. Outline the change process for implementing a restraint free policy.
4. Explain alternatives to physical restraints that could be implemented in an acute care environment.
5. Describe the purpose and intent of the regulation regarding chemical restraints and approaches to compliance.
6. Understand the standards impacting acute care facilities.
7. Provide safe sleep environments for residents using recently developed national assessment guidelines.