The consent of the resident or their designated representative is required for the use of bed rails. Any questions about the purpose of the bed rails, alternatives attempted, risk benefits, and plans to promote the resident’s independent function are encouraged and will be gladly answered by the resident’s physician, nurse, rehabilitation therapist, and/or social worker.
In accordance with regulations and guidelines and after careful assessment of the medical needs and appropriateness of bed rail use, the risk-benefits, safety, and maintenance, as well as discussion of alternative attempts, I voluntarily give consent to bed rail use.
Examples of the risk review with me included but are not limited to
- Risk for entrapment in the following ways.
- Through the bars of individual rails
- Through the space between split-side rails
- Between the side rails and mattress
- Between the headboard or footboard
- Side rails may also be associated with accidental skin bruising, cuts, scrapes, and fractures.
Examples of benefits reviewed with me include but are not limited to
- Reposition: improved bed mobility by repositioning myself or assisting with my care.
- Transfer: improved mobility getting in and out of bed. Self-transfer into and out of bed or assist my caregivers with transferring me into and out of bed.
My signature / representative signature certifies that I have been provided with the risk and benefits of bed rail use in the format and language that I understand. I was provided the opportunity to ask questions and have those questions answered and despite the risk and benefits and possible consequences of entrapment and death, I consent and request to have bed rails installed.