AAPA Policy on Restraint and Seclusion of Patients

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The American Academy of Physician Assistants believes that patients have the right to be free of all forms of seclusion and physical and chemical restraint that are not medically necessary. Seclusion and restraint should not be used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation. Seclusion and restraint should only be used according to accepted medical standards for the purpose of protecting the patient or others and to improve a patient's functional well being and only if less intrusive interventions have been determined to be ineffective. [Adopted by the AAPA House of Delegates, May 2000; reaffirmed 2005.]

For further information regarding restraint and seclusion, please contact Ellen Rathfon, Director of Professional Affairs, at 703/836-2272 ext. 3210 or ellen@aapa.org.