The California Department of Health has issued an All Facilities Letter urging skilled nursing facilities to reduce the use of unnecessary physical restraints. The letter highlights that California ranks 48th in the nation for the use of unnecessary physical restraints in skilled nursing homes, with a rate of 3.8% compared to the nationwide rate of 2.2%. The department emphasizes that physical restraints do not eliminate the risk of falling and can cause harm, including strangulation, loss of muscle tone, and depression. The letter provides resources and guidance for facilities to improve their physical restraint reduction programs, including the CMS State Operations Manual and the Advancing Excellence in America's Nursing Homes website. Facilities are encouraged to develop a physical restraint reduction program to bring their rates in line with the nationwide average and ensure residents are free of unnecessary restraints.

Summaries are generataed using AI. Check important information.