Pennsylvania Restraint Reduction Initiative Task Force

In 1994, approximately 28% of Pennsylvania nursing home residents were experiencing some form of physical restraint, despite regulations limiting their use (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, 1987).   The Health Care Financing Administration (now known as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(CMS)) brought together representatives of consumer advocacy groups and health care providers to brainstorm possible solutions for lowering physical restraint use in long term care facilities in the Commonwealth.

Out of this meeting, the Pennsylvania Restraint Reduction Task Force was formed with representatives from state and federal government, private industry, professional and provider associations, academia and the County Commissioners Association.