“Restraint” means direct restriction through mechanical means or personal physical force of the limbs, head or body of a recipient. The partial or total immobilization of a recipient for the purpose of performing a medical, surgical or dental procedure or as part of a medically prescribed procedure for the treatment of an existing physical disorder or the amelioration of a physical disability shall not constitute restraint, provided that the duration, nature and purposes of the procedures or immobilization are properly documented in the recipient’s record and, that if the procedures or immobilization are applied continuously or regularly for a period in excess of 24 hours, and for every 24 hour period thereafter during which the immobilization may continue, they are authorized in writing by a physician or dentist; and provided further, that any such immobilization which extends for more than 30 days be reviewed by a physician or dentist other than the one who originally authorized the immobilization.
     Momentary periods of physical restriction by direct person-to-person contact, without the aid of material or mechanical devices, accomplished with limited force, and that are designed to prevent a recipient from completing an act that would result in potential physical harm to himself or another shall not constitute restraint, but shall be documented in the recipient’s clinical record.

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