The Joint Commission recently revised standard PC.03.05.19, element of performance 1, related to the use of restraints, according to an item in the Jan. 9 Joint Commission Online newsletter. The change was made as a result of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' final rule titled "Reform of Hospital and Critical Access Hospital Conditions of Participation," which it published in the Federal Register on May 16, 2012. The Joint Commission added a sentence regarding the types of restraints that apply to reporting for deaths that occur within one week of the use of restraints. The revision applies to hospitals and psychiatric and rehabilitation distinct part units in critical access hospitals.

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