What is required before using any restraining devices in a healthcare facility?

In healthcare settings, the use of restraining devices is a serious matter that requires thoughtful consideration and adherence to regulations designed to protect the rights and well-being of residents. The correct approach involves conducting an assessment to evaluate the necessity of restraints based on the individual needs and circumstances of the resident. This assessment is crucial to determine whether less restrictive alternatives could achieve the same safety goals without compromising the resident's dignity and autonomy.

In addition to the assessment, a physician's order is mandated to ensure that the decision is medically sound and based on professional judgment. This order must be based on the assessment findings and should specify the type of restraints, the duration of use, and the monitoring requirements. This two-step process—assessment followed by a physician's order—ensures that restraint use is justified, appropriate, and done in the best interest of the resident's health and safety.

The other options, while they represent ways to engage with family or staff for input, do not fulfill the legal and ethical requirements that protect resident rights and prioritize their well-being.