Bed rails are often used in a variety of health care settings as an assistive device for patients/residents. However, bed rails can be a form of restraint and can pose a significant risk to their health and safety.

Due to known serious safety concerns with bed rail use, health care providers have a responsibility to identify risk and take appropriate action when it comes to use of bed rails for their patients/residents.

The term bed rail is used in this document. Commonly used synonymous terms are side rails, bed side rails, grab bars and safety rails.

When bed rails are being used in health care settings:

As part of the individualized comprehensive assessment, providers should assess and reassess with change in condition, the patient/resident for available and attempted alternatives, intended use, as well as safe use of bed rails, including risk of entrapment.
Educate the patient/resident/resident representative on the risks of bedrail use and document the education provided.
Ensure the physician is aware of the bedrail use. Include bed rail on physician orders, report to physician any identified safety concerns for the patient/resident in the use of bedrails.
Ensure bed rails are installed and used per manufacturer recommendation and instruction.
Providers are required to follow any addition regulatory guidance as specified per their licensure/certification.

References

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff - Hospital Bed System Dimensional and Assessment Guidance to Reduce Entrapment

Clinical Guidance for the Assessment and Implementation of Bed Rails in Hospitals, Long Term Care Facilities, and Home Care Settings

A Guide to Bed Safety Bed Rails in Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Home Health Care: The Facts