§ 87608. Postural Supports.

(a) Based on the individual's preadmission appraisal, and subsequent changes to that appraisal, the facility shall provide assistance and care for the resident in those activities of daily living which the resident is unable to do for himself/herself. Postural supports may be used under the following conditions.

(1) Postural supports shall be limited to appliances or devices such as braces, spring release trays, or soft ties, used to achieve proper body position and balance, to improve a resident's mobility and independent functioning, or to position rather than restrict movement including, but not limited to, preventing a resident from falling out of bed, a chair, etc.

(A) Physician-prescribed orthopedic devices such as braces or casts, used for support of a weakened body part or correction of body parts, are considered postural supports.

(2) Postural supports shall be fastened or tied in a manner that permits quick release by the resident.

(3) A written order from a physician indicating the need for the postural support shall be maintained in the resident's record. The licensing agency shall be authorized to require other additional documentation if needed to verify the order.

(4) Prior to the use of postural supports that change the ambulatory status of a resident to non-ambulatory, the licensee shall ensure that the appropriate fire clearance, as required by Section 87202, Fire Clearance has been secured.

(5) Under no circumstances shall postural supports include tying, depriving, or limiting the use of a resident's hands or feet.

(A) A bed rail that extends from the head half the length of the bed and used only for assistance with mobility shall be allowed.

(B) Bed rails that extend the entire length of the bed are prohibited except for residents who are currently receiving hospice care and have a hospice care plan that specifies the need for full bed rails.

HISTORY

1. Change without regulatory effect renumbering former section 87578 to new section 87608, including amendment of section heading and subsection (a)(4), filed 3-5-2008 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2008, No. 10).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Section 1569.30, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 1569.1, 1569.2, 1569.31 and 1569.312, Health and Safety Code.