A bed-rail safety concern should be documented with the care setting, equipment identity, care-plan and assessment records, observations, communications, and clinical records without drawing medical conclusions from a single source.

Record the relevant details

  • The bed and rail manufacturer, model, configuration, labels, maintenance information, and photographs
  • Care-plan, assessment, observation, incident, transfer, staffing, and communication records
  • The date, time, location, people present, and changes in condition described by the original record

The Food and Drug Administration’s bed-rail safety information addresses entrapment and other risks. CMS nursing-home guidance provides federal program and regulatory materials. Neither source determines the cause of an event or an individual claim.

Medical concerns should be addressed with the treating care team. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers provides general information about a North Carolina medical-malpractice matter.

Sources