Death Results in DSHS' Dear Administrator Letter re: Safety Risks of Medical Devices

With a recent fatal incident involving the use of bed rails, DSHS is issuing an updated Dear Provider letter to Nursing Homes and Assisted Living communities regarding the use of medical devices by or for your residents.  This letter replaces one issued in 2009 on the same subject.

Among other things, IF you are using or considering the use of a medical device for a resident, review the following carefully:

• The resident assessment will include the resident's strengths and any needs for which a medical device might be considered.  NOTE:  The assessment identifies the resident's needs.  Do not use the assessment to justify the use of the device.
• Ensure the resident's negotiated service agreement includes both the resident's needs and provides alternative interventions that support the needs of the resident and how best to keep the resident safe.  Less restrictive alternatives are safer and should be implemented before using any medical device.
• Residents and/or family members must be provided with enough information about the significance and level of the safety risk of using the medical device to enable them to make an informed decision about whether or not to use the device.

For information, contact Julie Martin.