South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

A facility must have a written order for the use of restraints that is signed by whom?

1. The medical director

2. The attending physician

3. The licensed nurse

4. The facility administrator

The correct answer is: The attending physician

The correct choice for the requirement of a written order for the use of restraints is that it must be signed by the attending physician. This is critical because the attending physician is responsible for the overall medical care of the patient, including any interventions that may affect their health and safety. The use of restraints is a significant intervention and can have serious implications; therefore, it necessitates a physician's order to ensure that it is justified based on the patient’s condition and specific needs. This physician's oversight serves to protect the rights of the patient and ensures that restraints are used in a manner that is compliant with medical standards and ethical considerations. In health care settings, restraints can only be employed when the patient's behavior poses a risk to themselves or others and when less restrictive alternatives have been considered or tried. Having the attending physician's signature ensures that a knowledgeable medical professional has assessed the situation and approved the use of restraints based on clinical judgment. Other roles, such as the medical director, licensed nurse, or facility administrator, while important in the overall operation and governance of the health care facility, do not carry the same responsibility in approving the specific medical intervention of restraints. Each of these roles has its functions, but the attending physician is the primary figure who must provide the medical