The guidance clarifies the requirements that govern the use of restraints. They must be ended at the earliest time. Three years ago, alarmed that the use of seclusion and restraints had become a routine part of psychiatric hospital care, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare implemented an aggressive restraint and seclusion policy that is more stringent than any national standard. The effort has led to a 74 percent reduction in the combined incidents of seclusion and restraint. Hours of restraint and seclusion use fell by 96 percent.
Staff also benefit from a reduction in the use of seclusion and restraints.