South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

What type of order must be signed for the use of restraints in a facility?

1. Emergency order

2. Written order

3. Verbal order

4. Standard order

The correct answer is: Written order

The use of restraints in a healthcare facility is a sensitive matter governed by regulatory standards to ensure patient safety and rights. A written order is required because it serves as a formal, documented request by a qualified healthcare professional. This ensures that there is a clear understanding of the justification for the restraint, the specific type of restraint, the duration of its use, and the monitoring that will occur while the restraint is in place. Written orders help protect patients from unnecessary restraint and ensure that restraints are used only when absolutely necessary and appropriate. They also provide legal protection for both the facility and the staff, as they demonstrate adherence to established protocols and guidelines. Other types of orders, such as emergency orders or verbal orders, may be appropriate in limited and immediate situations, but they do not provide the same level of documentation and oversight required for ongoing restraint use.