Patient Restraint Assessment & Monitoring Checklist

Document comprehensive assessment and ongoing monitoring of patients in restraints per CMS Conditions of Participation and Joint Commission standards.

  • Industry: Healthcare
  • Frequency: Every 2 hours / Per policy
  • Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Role: Nurse
  • Total Items: 28
  • Compliance: CMS CoP 42 CFR 482.13, Joint Commission PC.03.05.01-17, State Regulations

Order Verification

Verify valid restraint order

  • Current valid restraint order in place?
  • Order within time limits (4h adult, 2h peds)?
  • Physician face-to-face within 1 hour (if behavioral)?
  • Least restrictive restraint being used?

Physical Assessment

Patient physical status

  • Circulation to extremities adequate?
  • Skin integrity intact under/around restraint?
  • Range of motion maintained?
  • Vital signs within acceptable limits?
  • Nutrition/hydration needs addressed?
  • Elimination needs addressed?

Behavioral Assessment

Patient behavioral status

  • Current behavior documented?
  • Orientation level assessed?
  • Patient response to restraint documented?
  • Agitation/anxiety level assessed?

Alternatives Considered

Less restrictive alternatives

  • Verbal de-escalation attempted?
  • Environmental modifications considered?
  • Family presence considered?
  • Distraction techniques attempted?
  • Continued need for restraint documented?

Restraint Device Check

Device safety verification

  • Restraint properly applied?
  • Two-finger space under restraint?
  • Quick-release knots used?
  • Tied to bed frame (not rails)?

Pre-Assessment Information

Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification

  • Assessor Name / Credentials
  • Assessment Date
  • Department / Unit
  • Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
  • Previous assessment findings reviewed?

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Why Use This Patient Restraint Assessment & Monitoring Checklist?

This patient restraint assessment & monitoring checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for nurse professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: every 2 hours / per policy.

Ensures compliance with CMS CoP 42 CFR 482.13, Joint Commission PC.03.05.01-17, State Regulations. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Patient Restraint Assessment & Monitoring Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 6 sections: Order Verification, Physical Assessment, Behavioral Assessment, Alternatives Considered, Restraint Device Check, Pre-Assessment Information. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed every 2 hours / per policy. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

Who should use this Patient Restraint Assessment & Monitoring Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Nurse professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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