RE: Side rails

[Gail Barthold]

Title: Message

In Washington the survey has been looking very closely at the safety assessment...esp at gaps between side rails and the mattress.  It has been a change in thinking...the resident that you use to put up the side rail on you now don't..i.e..  the restless res,  the res with delirium, the res who has or might have seizures.  Safety overrides res. rights,  at least our survey team state  this is what CMS has told them. Just because the res can use the rail during the day doesn't mean it is safe at night.  We also write a detailed description of how the res uses the rail...not uses to turn but reaches with right hand and grabs rail, lifts hips and shifts position and  turns to right grabbing rail with left hand.  Also how they understand the risks in detail.  Gail -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Debbie Ohl Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 4:36 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Siderails The biggest concern with side rails is one of SAFETY, when using or not using. If you use half rails as a routine practice for bed mobility be very sure residents are not at risk or receiving injuries: I.e skin tears, bruises, abrasions, entrapment. Your evaluation shouldreflect your consideration of these potential risk and /or howyou will prevent as part of care planning or documentation   Debbie Ohl RN, NHA LTC Consultant & Educator, Ohl & Associates 613 Compton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231 Phone / Fax 513-522-6041 [EMAIL PROTECTED]  www.greatcareplans.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Felix, Rosalie To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 1:29 PM Subject: Siderails We all use the top 2 siderails for all our residents just for mobility.  Do I need to code them on P4?  Thanks.