Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

Chemical Restraints

  • Reduction in the use of physical restraints may result in an increase in use of chemical restraints.
  • Overuse of “as needed medications” in clinical practice can result in loss of the client’s rights and can have legal implications.
  • There should be a process for the nurse with the interprofessional team to review the use and administration of “as needed” medication to ensure these are not being used as chemical restraint in the clinical setting.
Clinical Management
Promoting Safety: Alternative Approaches to the Use of Restraints
Point of Care Resources