In a letter dated May 22, 2006, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) advised nursing facilities about new rules in Title 40 of the Texas Administrative Code, effective June 1.
The new rules relate to the definition of restraints, frequency of use, notification of restraint use and seclusion to patients’ legal representatives, etc. You may download the letter and the 25-page attachment (relevant TAC) here.
DADS issued a similar letter to intermediate care facilities for patients with mental retardation or a related condition and assisted living facilities. The letters cite different sections of TAC, so you may want to read all relevant rules. You may download the intermediate facilities letter and the 19-page attachment here.
For assisted living facilities, download the letter and the 31-page attachment here.
Monday, June 5 update: DADS has issued revised letters to nursing, assisted living, and intermediate care facilities about new rules on patient restraint and seclusion.
