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Advancing the Human & Civil Rights of People with Disabilities in Illinois

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EFE’s Recent Work

Institution dramatically cuts use of restraints

We investigated a state-run institution’s use of mechanical restraints, including a bed on rollers with attached restraint cuffs that was hidden in a closet. As a result of our advocacy and recommendations, the institution removed the restraint devices. It also implemented new and stricter protocols and a documentation system to monitor use of restraints. The institution must now report each incident to us and the Department of Human Services.  After the new protocols, the use of restraints declined significantly.

After investigation, private hospital sticks to state Mental Health Code

Our investigation found that a private behavior health hospital had no policy or procedure in place to document the emergency use of psychotropic medication.  Patients at this hospital were not being informed of their rights.  After our visit, the hospital developed a policy on mechanical and chemical restraint for the management of unanticipated violence that followed the Mental Health Code and protected the rights of people receiving services.  Our unannounced follow-up visit confirmed that the hospital was complying with the new policy and the Mental Health Code.

 

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Last updated: April 08, 2014

This website is made possible by funding support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, both the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the Center for Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and the U.S. Department of Education, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. The contents of this website are solely the responsibility of Equip for Equality and do not necessarily represent the official view of any of these agencies.

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