ADH ad hoc committee report: the use of restraints in the delivery of dental care for the handicapped—legal, ethical, and medical considerations |
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| Authors: | SANFORD J. FENTON DDS MDS LORING I. FENTON JD BENEDICT B. KIMMELMAN DDS W. CRAIG SHELLHART DDS MICHAEL C. SHEFF DMD MScD JURATE P. SCOTT DDS JULIE A. STAGGERS DDS BRIAN V. PORTUGAL OTR MPA |
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| Affiliation: | Professor and acting chairman, department of pediatric dentistry, West Virginia School of Dentistry, West Virginia University Medical Center, Morgantown, WV 26506 and is associate director, medical and dental services, University Affiliated Center for Developmental Disabilities, West Virginia University;Associate, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom, NY;Private practice, Philadelphia;Attending a graduate orthodontic program, University of Nebraska School of Dentistry;Private practice, pediatric dentistry, Newton, MA, and is associate clinical professor, Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry, Boston University;Director, dental services, Elwyn Institute, Elwyn, PA.;Attending the graduate orthodontic program, West Virginia University School of Dentistry;Building supervisor, White Haven Center, White Haven, PA, and is management development program instructor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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| Abstract: | Presented is the final report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Use of Physical Restraints. The report discusses legal, ethical, and medical issues of physical restraint of patients. Conclusions included: there is no consensus among the states on definition of restraint—dental practitioners should check with their own states for currrent rulings; the current national view is that restraint should only be used when absolutely necessary, and the least restrictive form should be used, and it shall not be used as punishment or for the convenience of the staff; use of restraint is acceptable dental practice when appropriately used for behavior control of patients with developmentally disabling conditions; documentation is required; physical restraint should cause no physical injury; and informed consent should be used, after checking with authorities as to proper form. |
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