OAR 309-112-0010
General Policies Concerning Use of Restraint


(1)

State institutions shall not use restraint except in emergencies, as provided in OAR 309-112-0015 (Use of Restraint in Emergencies), or as part of planned treatment programs as provided in 309-112-0017 (Use of Restraint as Part of Planned Treatment or Training Programs), and only then subject to the conditions and limitations of these rules. An order for physical restraint may not be in effect longer than 12 hours. No form of restraint shall be used as punishment, for the convenience of staff, or as a substitute for activities, treatment, or training.

(2)

State institutions shall provide training in the appropriate use of restraint to all employees having direct care responsibilities.

(3)

Medication will not be used as a restraint, but will be prescribed and administered according to acceptable medical, nursing, and pharmaceutical practices.

(4)

Patients shall not be permitted to use restraint on other patients.

(5)

Physical restraint must be used in accordance with sound medical practice to assure the least risk of physical injury and discomfort. Any patient placed in physical restraint shall be protected from self-injury and from injury by others.

(6)

Checking a patient in restraint:

(a)

A patient in restraint must be checked at least every 15 minutes;

(b)

Attention shall be paid to the patient’s basic personal needs (such as regular meals, personal hygiene, and sleep) as well as the patient’s need for good body alignment and circulation;

(c)

Staff shall document that the patient was checked and appropriate attention paid to the person’s needs.

(7)

During waking hours the patient must be exercised for a period not less than 10 minutes during each two hours of physical restraint. Partial release of physical restraint shall be employed as necessary to permit motion and exercise without endangering other staff and patients.

(8)

Unless the order authorizing use of restraint specifically provides otherwise, the patient shall be released as soon as it is reasonable to assume that the behavior causing use of restraint will not immediately resume if the patient is released.

(9)

OAR 309-112-0015 (Use of Restraint in Emergencies) and 309-112-0017 (Use of Restraint as Part of Planned Treatment or Training Programs) require staff of state institutions to apply the most appropriate form of restraint consistent with the patient’s behavior requiring intervention, the need to protect the staff and other patients, the patient’s treatment or training needs and preservation of the patient’s sense of personal dignity and self-esteem. The determination of the most appropriate intervention requires consideration of the following factors:

(a)

The individual patient involved; e.g., the present physical ability to engage in violent or destructive behavior, any preference the individual patient has for one method of behavior management versus another, and the patient’s reaction to various methods of intervention;

(b)

The risk or degree of physical or psychological harm and discomfort that accompany the various methods of intervention;

(c)

The risk or degree of interference with the individual’s ongoing treatment or training and other activities.

(10)

A summary of all uses of restraint, other than personal restraint for 15 minutes or less, shall be sent to the chief medical officer at least monthly.

(11)

The following types of procedures are part of ordinary and customary medical care for physical illnesses or conditions and are not subject to the provisions of these rules related to the use of restraint:

(a)

Holding or restraining a patient during an examination, blood drawing, performance of a diagnostic test or during treatment for an acute medical condition;

(b)

Restricting movement with orthopedic devices such as casts, wheel chairs, braces, and positioning devices;

(c)

Isolating a patient with a known or suspected infectious disease;

(d)

Protecting seizure-prone and self-abusive patients by the use of protective gear.

(12)

A patient, guardian, or a duly authorized representative of the patient, or guardian has the right to contest any application of these rules as provided in OAR 309-118-0000 (Purpose and Scope) through 309-118-0050 (Posting of OSH Grievance Process) (Grievance Procedures for Use in State Institutions).

(13)

Violation of the rights, policies, and procedures set forth in these rules by an employee of the Division constitutes cause for disciplinary action.

Source: Rule 309-112-0010 — General Policies Concerning Use of Restraint, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=309-112-0010.

Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 309-112-0010’s source at or​.us