Montana Title 53. Social Services and Institutions § 53-21-146. Right to be free from physical restraint and isolation

Patients have a right to be free from physical restraint and isolation. Except for emergency situations in which it is likely that patients could harm themselves or others and in which less restrictive means of restraint are not feasible, patients may be physically restrained or placed in isolation only on a professional person's written order that explains the rationale for the action. The written order may be entered only after the professional person has personally seen the patient concerned and evaluated the episode or situation that is alleged to call for restraint or isolation. Emergency use of restraints or isolation may not be for more than 1 hour, by which time a professional person must have been consulted and must have entered an appropriate order in writing. The written order is effective for no more than 24 hours and must be renewed if restraint and isolation are to be continued. Whenever a patient is subject to restraint or isolation, adequate care must be taken to monitor the patient's physical and psychiatric condition and to provide for the patient's physical needs and comfort. Physical restraint may not be used as punishment, for the convenience of the staff, or as a substitute for a treatment program.