Long-term care facilities have to obey chemical restraint regulations

    A chemical restraint is given for a purpose other than its intended use, and given for punishment, coercion or convenience. Any medication that may sedate or otherwise change the resident’s sensorium and is not a part of his regular med regimen is technically a chemical restraint.
    Chemical restraints include “any drug that is used for discipline or convenience and not required to treat medical symptoms.”
    According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a restraint is any manual method, physical or mechanical device, material or equipment that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a patient to move his or her arms, legs, body or head freely; or a drug or medication when it is used as a restriction to manage the patient’s behavior or restrict the patient’s freedom of movement and is not a standard treatment or dosage for the patient’s condition.
    Chemical restraint is defined as the use of any type of drug to restrict an individual’s movement or freedom. Chemical restraint may be used solely for the purpose of sedating an individual. In most cases, chemical restraint typically refers to psychopharmacological drugs, such as sedatives and anti-anxiety medications. It is illegal for nursing homes to administer chemical restraint to residents unless they are used to treat medical conditions or prevent residents from causing physical harm to themselves or other individuals. Federal and state laws aim to minimize the use of unnecessary drugs, especially chemical restraints.

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