California Nursing Home
Physical Restraints


Research shows that the long-standing belief in physical restraints as a means to ensure patient safety is totally unfounded. In practice, restraints have many side effects and risks that, in most cases, far outweigh any possible benefit that can be derived from their use. Recent studies have clearly demonstrated physical restraints can be both physically and mentally damaging for residents, cost more in terms of resources, and can increase the incidence of serious injuries.


During the current Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Scope of Work, HSAG will work with participating nursing homes to implement evidence-based care processes and system-wide changes that reduce or eliminate the use of physical restraints as a source of patient harm.