RE: siderail resident rights

[Onken, Julia]

Title: Message

Yes,  They do have the right.  However, we have the responsibility to assess the situation for potential risks and appropriate use.  If the risk of injury is greater than the benefit of the rails being up, there must be documented education and negotiation with the responsible party.  They in return have a right to refuse our explanation and insist on the use.  If used they must be monitored for safety while the rails are up.     We offer alternative solutions so they can "feel safe" such as a mat beside the bed.  Unless the resident is capable of utilizing the rail as an enabler to help increase &/or maintain bed mobility or transfer, we almost NEVER recommend that they be lifted.  The State of Wyoming has had a death resulting from entrapment between the rail and the bed frame and we never fail to mention all of the negative in our education.  Thank the lord the death was not in our facility.      Every resident that has even 1 rail up is re-evaluated every 3 months for continued appropriate use and safety factors.  The physician order is only good for the 3 months, then must be re-written in order for the rail to continue to be raised.  Our physicians, thankfully, pay attention to our recommendations pro or con when the orders are written.     We have absolutely no side rails raised unless they enable the functional abilities of our resident. Julia A. Onken, R.N.  LTC Nurse Manager Goshen Care Center 2009 Laramie Street Torrington, WY  82240 Phone (307) 532-4038  ex. 3044 Fax (307) 532-3800   -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, April 09, 2004 3:29 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: siderail resident rights "Isn't it a violation of the resident's rights to be denied side rails if the resident is cognitively able to make a decision that they want them/ verbalize their reasoning; "I feel safer with them up." and this can all be documented?" Right!   The resident has the right to have side rails up upon request. Yes, And if the family is the legal guardian they can also request it. Careplans, nurses notes, and MD orders are needed. I had this discussion recently with ACHA. email me if any questions. Happy Easter to all.         Respectfully, Marti Ann Benenfeld, RN, FNC, ALA, LTC The Long Term Care Ombudsman Council North Miami Dade, Fl Nurse Consultant, Long Term Care Assisted Living Administrator: Core Trained Family Council Consultant Research and Development nurse Business Office: 305- 626-6144 Personal Office: 305- 792-7979 Mobile Office: 786-797-8686 Fax: 305-633-7593 Ombudsman: 1997 to Present Ombudsman of the Year: 2001 Ombudsman Chairwoman: 2003-2004 2004 Golden choice award   ADVICE FOR THE DAY: Be nice to your kids. They will choose your Nursing home one day! Notice: This message, and any attached file, is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.  If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.  Nothing in this e-mail message should be construed as a legal or nursing opinion.  If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately by reply e-mail :[EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] and delete all copies of the original message.  Thank you very much and have a super wonderful day. Attachments protected by Norton and McAfee