Bed Rail Entrapment on the Rise

Residents in multiple long-term care facilities in Minnesota have experienced neglect due to bed rail entrapment.  Residents and families may wish to have bed rails to keep residents from falling out of bed.  However, the bed rails must fit properly and be used according to manufacturer instructions.  The family and the facility should consider all information related to the use of bed rails.  While the resident has the right to a restraint in the Health Care Bill of Rights under Minn. Stat. 144.651, subd. 33, all concerned may conclude that a different intervention provides less risk and may be more appropriate.  Below are examples of substantiated neglect by the Minnesota Department of Health due to bed rail entrapment: