MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Public Health and Human Services
By: Representatives Clarke, Holloway, Banks, Bell (65th), Evans (91st), Hale, Watson
AN ACT TO REGULATE WHEN A WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINT MAY BE USED BY A MEDICAL PROVIDER, HOSPITAL, NURSING HOME OR OTHER MEDICAL FACILITY; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR SUCH; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. A medical provider, hospital, nursing home or other medical facility may only authorize the use of wheelchair restaints for a patient of the provider or facility for the purpose of ensuring the physical safety of the resident or other residents, and only upon written order of a physician that specifies the duration and circumstances under which restraints are to be used. For purposes of this section, "wheelchair restraint" means a lap belt, chair mesh or other alternative device or material that can be attached to a wheelchair and the person who is seated in a wheelchair to provide safe and adequate seating for mobility and posture of a person seated in a wheelchair.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2019.