Rule 290-9-37-.21 - Medical Protection Devices and Adaptive Support Devices(1) Medical protection devices and adaptive support devices are designed to facilitate and not impede the resident's participation in usual activities of daily living. Medical protection devices and adaptive support devices shall be used appropriately as treatment interventions only where less restrictive methods and devices have been evaluated and determined to be inappropriate and so documented.(2) Where medical protection devices and adaptive support devices have been determined to be the least restrictive alternative in accordance with subparagraph (1) above, the following steps shall be taken prior to use: (a) An appropriate health care professional conducts an assessment, a copy of which shall be kept in the resident's file, that describes and supports the specific needs for the device(s);(b) An order shall be written by a physician for the use of the device and shall be filed in the resident's record. The order shall be for no longer than 180 days or six calendar months. The order shall include the type of device, the rationale for its use, the duration of its use, a plan for reduction in its use, and appropriate instructions for release and monitoring of its use. Reordering the device's use shall be preceded by the physician's physical examination of the resident;(c) The proposed use of the device is discussed in advance with the resident and his or her legally authorized representative or legal guardian, if any;(d) The use of the device shall be specifically authorized in the individual service plan; and(e) Staff shall be trained in the application of the device and the care of the residents to whom they are applied.(3) A registered nurse, or other appropriate health care professional, shall personally assess the resident once per quarter, or more frequently as ordered by a physician, and shall document his or her findings in the file of the resident, including the resident's response to the use of the device.(4) Devices shall be: (a) Authorized specifically in a resident's ISP;(b) Kept clean and used only in ways which cause no physical harm to the resident;(c) Fully inspected prior to use to ensure that they are in good repair and free from tears or protrusions that might cause injury; and(d) Discontinued when no longer needed as a treatment intervention.(5) The use of medical protection devices and adaptive support devices shall be monitored by staff to ensure that the terms of the order are followed and the devices are used appropriately.(6) On an annual basis, training must be updated and staff must demonstrate competency in the application of medical protection devices and adaptive support devices as part of the training activities enumerated in Section .15 of these rules.(7) Chemical restraints, mechanical restraints, and seclusion may not be used under any circumstances.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 290-9-37-.21
O.C.G.A. Secs. 31-7-1et seq., 37-1-22.
Original Rule entitled "Medical Protection Devices and Adaptive Support Devices" adopted. F. Oct. 24, 2002; eff. Nov. 13, 2002.