May an occupational therapist be involved in determining whether the need for restraints is an appropriate option for patients in a skilled nursing facility?
While an occupational therapist is not the ultimate decision maker in determining whether the use of restraints should be used on a patient in a skilled nursing facility, he or she may certainly participate and provide input during the patient evaluation process. Typically, the physician, in collaboration with other allied health professionals (including OTs), makes the decision as to the use of restraints. See ss. OT 4.02 (2) (e) and 4.03 (2) (a), Wis. Admin. Code.
