Is the use of a telemedicine link allowed by the Licensed Practitioner who conducts the in-person evaluation of an individual in restraint or seclusion for the management of violent or self-destructive behavior?

No. A telemedicine link does not fulfill the in-person requirement for the evaluation by a Licensed Practitioner (LP) of the individual in restraint or seclusion for the management of violent or self-destructive behavior. The in-person evaluation must be face-to-face and completed by a physician, clinical psychologist, or other licensed practitioner responsible for the care of the patient. A registered nurse may conduct the in-person evaluation within one hour of the initiation of restraint or seclusion as long as this individual is trained in accordance with the requirements in PC.03.05.17, EP 3.

When the in-person evaluation (performed within one hour of the initiation of restraint or seclusion) is done by a trained registered nurse, they must consult with the attending physician or other licensed practitioner responsible for the care of the patient as soon as possible after the evaluation, as determined by hospital policy. This evaluation must be completed within one hour of the initiation of restraint or seclusion used for the management of violent or self-destructive behavior that jeopardizes the physical safety of the patient, staff, or others.