Restraint of Patients.

(a)

Restraint shall be used only when alternative methods are not sufficient to protect the patient or others from injury.

(b)

Patients shall be placed in restraint only on the written order of a licensed health care practitioner acting within the scope of his or her professional licensure. This order shall include the reason for restraint and the type of restraint to be used. In a clear case of emergency, a patient may be placed in restraint at the discretion of a registered nurse and a verbal or written order obtained thereafter. If a verbal order is obtained it shall be recorded in the patient's medical record and be signed by the licensed health care practitioner on his or her next visit.

(c)

Patients in restraint by seclusion or mechanical means shall be observed at intervals not greater than 15 minutes.

(d)

Restraints shall be easily removable in the event of fire or other emergency.