Physical restraints: has OBRA made a difference?

1. A component of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 declared that nursing home residents have the right to be free from physical or chemical restraints that are not required to treat specific "medical symptoms." 2. The literature suggests that the use of restraints has a negative influence on the caregiving process by restricting creativity and individual treatment. 3. Decreased reliance on restraints can be accomplished in nursing homes without an increase in staffing. 4. Transition to limited restraint use requires an organized, planned effort to change attitudes, beliefs, practices, and policies of a facility.