Most states and health care organizations have patient rights statements that discuss the use of restraints.  Our federal government does too.  There is a new federal regulation regarding patient rights and the use of restraints.  It says that:  Restraints can be used only when there is a specific medical reason for them, and when the client or family member is informed of the reason.  The entire health care team must try to think of alternatives to restraints.    Clients who are restrained must be monitored very carefully to make sure they are safe and comfortable and to see if they still need the restraint.    The plan must be to discontinue the restraints as soon as possible.  Health care employees who work with restraints must be carefully trained in their use, and have ongoing inservices about restraints. Patient Rights and the Use of Restraints  Family members have the right to discuss the use of restraints with the health care team, and to give their opinion.  But what happens when the family thinks that restraints are the only way to keep their loved one safe, but the health care team doesn’t think restraints are necessary?     Remember, if there is no medical reason for the restraints, the health care team should not use them.     Instead, they should teach the family about the alternatives to restraints.  They should also explain their plan for keeping the client safe and for providing a good quality of life. Your clients have the right to be free from unnecessary restraints used to change their behavior, to punish them, or to make their care easier. PAGE FOUR What About the Rights of Family Members?