Restraints FAQ

What should I know about your medical restraints?

The FDA reported, in 1992, that over half a million patients in health care facilities need hospital restraints. Because of the increasingly aging population, it's likely that number has increased. The medical restraints are generally used to prevent falls and, less commonly, to address behavioral problems.

Restraints are generally made of a durable material such as nylon or leather. The majority of the restraints are machine washable. In the case of the leather medical restraints, sterilization can be achieved through the use of at least 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Methods of sterilization such as autoclaving, steam and BTO gas are not recommended.
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What kind of restrictions are there on selling medical restraints?

Federal law requires that anyone purchasing medical restraints must either be a physician, a medical facility, or have an order from a physician. In order to process your order, Vitality Medical must receive a copy of the prescription. Prescriptions may be faxed to 801-733-5797. Orders will not be processed beforehand. Before purchasing, see Vitality Medical's Return Policy.
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How do I know what type of restraint to get?

Your physician or the treating physician will know what type of restraint to get. Accordingly to Findarticles.com, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations(JCAHO) classifies restraints into three categories:

Class I	Class II	Class III
Wrist restraints only Roll belt only Geri/wheelchair with table top Mitts Full bed rails	Any combination of geri/wheelchair, wrist restraint, and roll belt Vest restraint Restraints, opposite limbs	Locked restraint, including leather Locked seclusion Enclosed bed Restraints, 4 limbs with or without roll belt Body net

You may want to ask some questions of the treating physician, such as:

• What type of medical restraint is needed (hand, ankle, seating, etc.)
• What type of material should the medical restraint be made out of (leather, nylon, etc.)?
• Does it need a lock? Not all restraints come with a lock.

You may also need to take a patient's measurement to ensure an accurate fit. When measuring, make sure not to hold the measuring tape too tight or too loose around the patient. Most medical restraints are adjustable, so a reasonably accurate measurement should be sufficient to purchase the correct medical restraint.
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Does my insurance/medicare/medicaid reimburse for medical restraints?

Insurance/medicare/medicaid reimbursement varies. Contact your insurance representative before purchasing medical restraints. Be aware that some insurance companies or institutions periodically review medical restraint reimbursement claims to ensure the medical restraints are being used properly. Vitality Medical does not bill insurance/medicare/medicaid for medical restraints or any other product.
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What are restraint alternatives?

Restraint alternatives are products that aren't traditional medical restraints. Currently, Vitality Medical sells two kinds of restraint alternatives: the Posey Restraint Net and the Posey Roll Guard.

The Posey Restraint Net is used for patients who pose extreme harm to themselves. The restraint net fits comfortably across the body and securely fixes the patient's arms and legs. The next is made of nylon and is machine washable.

The Posey Roll Guard is designed for patients who fall out of bed, but do not need restraints. Each Roll Guard acts as a cushion obstacle to prevent falling. The Roll Guards can also be placed in various places on the bed to relieve pressure on the patient. Each Roll Guard is has a machine-washable nylon and the vinyl inner pillows can be washed with liquid detergent.
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Sources

FDA Press Release 6/16/92
Healthtouch Online - SAFE USE OF RESTRAINTS FOR MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Findarticles.com - Involuntary admission and the medical inpatient: judicious use of physical restraint