<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" citation="COMAR 10.21.13.08" title_num="10" subtitle_num="21" chapter_num="13" heading="Documentation.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Seclusion Orders. A physician shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>To initiate the use of seclusion:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Enter an order in the patient's medical record; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Authorize an order to be written by a registered nurse on the physician's order sheet in the patient's medical record:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Indicating that physician's verbal order for seclusion; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Directing the release of the patient and the rationale for that release;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Countersign all verbal orders within 24 hours of the order's being written; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Include in the order for seclusion:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The date and time that the order was written;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The maximum duration of seclusion from the time that the seclusion was initiated;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The specific rationale for seclusion;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Special precautions, if any, to safeguard the patient;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>The physician's signature; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>In the case of a verbal order, the names of both the ordering physician and the registered nurse who received the verbal order.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>As soon as possible after implementation, but not later than the close of the shift, staff shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Document the implementation of seclusion in the patient's medical record; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Include in the documentation the following information:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A description of the specific behavior leading to seclusion;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Whether and which less restrictive techniques were used, and, if not, why not;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Whether a formal call for facility staff response was required, the names of staff assisting in the seclusion, and the circumstances while secluding the patient;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>The readily observable physical condition of the patient;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>The date and time of the seclusion and signature of the recorder;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Whether the patient was permitted to wear the patient's own clothes or other attire and, if not, the reason or reasons for this; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>A description of any physical injury to either the patient or others resulting from placement of the patient in seclusion.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>While a patient is in seclusion, staff shall document in the patient's medical record the clinical interventions employed, including those listed in Regulation .06 of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Release from Seclusion.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>When a physician clinically determines that a patient is to be released from seclusion, the physician shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Direct termination of the seclusion with or without a physician's order; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If verbally ordering the release, write, sign, and date the note not later than 24 hours after a verbal order to release.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>When a registered nurse clinically determines that the release of the patient before the maximum period specified on a physician's order is appropriate, the registered nurse shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Order termination of the seclusion with or without a physician's order, unless the physician's order specifically requires physician concurrence with the termination; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Document, sign, and date the rationale for the termination of seclusion in the patient's record.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>