Nursing Home Complaint Regarding Bed Rails

Bed rails are responsible for a surprising number of injuries to nursing home residents.

This may be due to poor maintenance of the bed and the accompanying rails or due to a poor fit between the mattress and the rails leading to residents becoming entrapped between bed rails and the mattress or sliding out of bed.

The other source of problems in a nursing home setting is through the use is through the use of bed rails as a restraint, with residents attempting to climb over the top or otherwise get out of bed around or through the rails.

The regulations provide:

(n) Bed rails. The facility must attempt to use appropriate alternatives prior to installing a side or bed rail. If a bed or side rail is used, the facility must ensure correct installation, use, and maintenance of bed rails, including but not limited to the following elements:
      (1) Assess the resident for risk of entrapment from bed rails prior to installation.
      (2) Review the risks and benefits of bed rails with the resident or resident representative and obtain informed consent prior to installation.
      (3) Ensure that the bed's dimensions are appropriate for the resident's size and weight.
      (4) Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications for installing and maintaining bed rails.

      42 CFR Part 483.25(n)